Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
If you’re a coffee lover, you likely already know that different varieties of beans have distinct flavor profiles. Learn about four of the most widely used varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans, which are a variety of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and more tart flavor and are often used in blends of coffee to add depth.
Arabica
Arabica is the most sought-after coffee in the world, making up 75% of all global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are milder and have a sweeter flavor than Robusta. They are available with a variety of flavor profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee is affected by the conditions under the conditions in which it grows and the methods of processing used.
The word “coffee” derives from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were energized after eating these berries, and the cultivation of coffee soon became widespread across the globe.
Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes and are able to thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is considered to be the best tasting type of coffee.
Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on the ethical source of arabica beans, with a focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make unique specialty coffees that are suitable for many different methods of brewing. Blending gives control over the aroma, flavor and body, as well as the acidity of coffee Beans for sale. It is generally preferred to achieve an even and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market.
Robusta
Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean cultivated worldwide. They have a higher caffeine content per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation during the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.
The plant is more durable than the arabica and is able to be grown in less favorable climates. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows faster than arabica. This makes it a economically viable crop to cultivate.
While it might seem contradictory it’s true that Robusta beans are often blended with arabica to make coffee blends. If you notice the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag then it’s likely that there’s some robusta in there as well.
While some roasters use exclusively arabica beans, the majority use mix the two varieties to reduce costs and ensure the quality. To ensure the quality of the flavor, it is essential to select a top-quality bean from a source that you are confident with. This can be done by purchasing your beans direct from the farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans have a shape that is similar to a football which is why they are different from other coffee beans. They are characterized by a smell that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are paired with other types of coffee beans to give them a deeper and more robust taste.
Liberica coffee beans can be found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They are adaptable to humid, hot climates and can grow at low altitudes. They also have a better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.
These attributes make them ideal for growing at home. The seeds can be found online from many sources, however it is best to purchase them from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH and sufficient annual rainfall.
Excelsa is a different type of coffee bean. It was previously classified as a separate species, but has been classified as a Liberica variant. These oval-shaped barista coffee beans beans are found on large coffee beans bulk buy plants that reach 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. They have a distinctive taste that is both tart and fruity and has made them a preferred choice in house blends. They have a milder flavor and lower caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta but they do have a distinct flavor.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee beans online beans aren’t as well-known as Arabica and Robusta even though they are the fourth most popular. In fact they were considered to be distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the coffee bean shop world’s production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped as teardrops and possess a dark, eerie taste. They are typically utilized to give blends extra body and a sweet tart flavor of ripe fruits.
Arabica beans are the most well-known, and are renowned for their more sweetness. They grow best at high altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They also have a touch of acidity. When roasted and brewed properly they can be a bit sweet with hints of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.
Robusta is a close second to Arabica and makes up around 40 percent of the world’s beans. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder but they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties, and tend to have earthy and woody undertones.
After learning about the four most common types and their characteristics, it’s time to pick your favorite drink. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor go for an arabica bean or a blend made up of robusta beans and arabica beans.