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

If you're a lover of coffee you're likely to know that different kinds of beans can produce different flavors. Read on to learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, which are a variety of Liberica is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity, more tart flavor profile and are often used in coffee beans manchester blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the world's most popular coffee beans bulk buy accounting for 75% of the global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta and come in a variety profiles. The taste and aroma components of a cup of coffee can differ significantly based on the growing conditions and processing methods employed to make it.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats became stimulated after eating these fruits, and the cultivation of coffee soon spread across the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and are in a position to thrive when exposed to cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is believed to be the most delicious kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on ethical sourcing of arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique specialty coffees, which can be used in a variety of brewing methods. Blending allows control over the aroma, taste and body of the coffee. It is usually utilized to create an even and consistent taste that appeals a wide market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most sought-after kind of coffee bean around the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation in the top rated coffee beans's brewing process and cause undesirable flavors.

The plant is more robust than the arabica and can grow in less favorable environments. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and does well in direct sunlight. It produces more Coffee Beans Types per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a economical crop to cultivate.

While it may seem counterintuitive Robusta beans are frequently blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee it's possible that there is also some robusta.

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority use blend both varieties to lower costs and maintain the quality. In order to preserve the integrity of the flavor, it's essential to choose a high-quality beans from a source you are confident in. This can be achieved by purchasing your beans direct from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football, which is why they are different from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinctive scent that is floral and fruity with subtle smoky undertones. They are added to other types of coffee beans to give them a deeper and more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans are available in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They can be found at low altitudes and can withstand hot, humid climates. They are also more resistant to diseases than Arabica or Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. Online, you can buy seeds from numerous sources. However, it's best to purchase the beans from local producers to guarantee quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH as well as adequate annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally considered to be a separate species but was re-classified as a variation of Liberica. These oval-shaped premium coffee beans beans grow on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20 to 30 feet in height at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is sweet and tart, making them a popular choice for blends made at home. They have a lighter flavor and lower caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta but they do possess a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth-most popular type of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't quite so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were considered to be an individual species of coffee plant until 2006 when they were changed to an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop-shaped shape and possess a dark, mysterious flavor. These beans are commonly used to give blends more body and a rich, tart taste of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are renowned for their sweeter flavor. They grow best at high altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They also have a bit of acidity. If properly brewed and roasted, they can have notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and makes up about 40 percent of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are smaller and more round however, they contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two varieties and have a woody, earthy taste.

After having a better understanding of the four most commonly used types and their characteristics, it's time to pick your favorite drink. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica bean or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.