Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa

You've probably heard that different varieties produce distinct flavors. Learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a type Liberica which is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and more tart flavor profile and are often used in blends of coffee to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of the global production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta, and they come in various flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee can vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and processing methods employed to make it.

The word "coffee beans in bulk" comes from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are fruit seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats were energized after eating these fruits, and the cultivation of coffee soon became widespread across the globe.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and they are in a position to thrive when exposed to cool temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the main reasons that Arabica is regarded as the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on the ethical source of their arabica beans and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees that are suitable for different brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the flavour, aroma and body of the coffee and is usually preferred to achieve a balanced and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second-most popular type of coffee bean in the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are antioxidants naturally found in. These acids can cause oxidation during the coffee brewing and produce undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica, and can thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a cost-effective crop to grow.

Although it might sound odd, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you see names like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag it's possible that there's also some robusta.

Most roasters employ a mixture of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and preserve quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor you should select an excellent bean from a trusted source. The best method to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football which is why they are different from other coffee beans. They have a smell that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are often added to other bean varieties to create an extra, stronger flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They can grow in low altitudes and withstand humid, hot climates. They also have a much better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them perfect for home cultivation. The seeds can be found on the internet from several sources, but it is best to buy from local producers to guarantee the good quality coffee beans (https://www.coffeee.uk) of the beans. The best growing conditions for Liberica coffee plants include fertile, deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH, and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered to be a separate species but has been re-classified as a subspecies of Liberica. These coffee beans are oval-shaped and are grown on large coffee plants that reach 20-30 feet in height at medium altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both tart and fruity that has made them a popular selection in blends for house. They are also lighter on flavor and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta however they still have a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta, despite being the fourth most popular. They were actually considered an entirely different species of coffee until 2006 when they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped in the shape of a teardrop and have a dark, mysterious taste. They are frequently used to give blends extra body and a rich tart taste of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are renowned for having a a sweeter taste. They thrive in warm, tropical environments and at high altitudes. They can be a bit acidic. If brewed correctly and roast they may have notes of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most adored coffee in the world and makes up around 40% of the coffee consumed globally. These beans are rounder and smaller, but contain more caffeine than Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy and woody taste.

After you've learned about the four most popular varieties and their characteristics, it's time to select the best brew. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor opt for an arabica or a blend made up of arabica beans and robusta beans.