Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
If you’re a lover of coffee you’re likely aware that different types of beans have different flavor profiles. Find out about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans, a type Liberica which is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter taste profile, and are often used in blends of coffee to enhance the flavor.
Arabica
Arabica is the most sought-after coffee in the world accounting for 75% of all global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavor profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee is affected by the conditions in which it is grown as well as the processing methods used.
The word “coffee” originates from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow within bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were stimulated after eating these berries, and the cultivation of coffee quickly spread across the world.
Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and they are capable of thriving in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is believed to be the best tasting kind of coffee.
Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on sourcing their arabica beans ethically by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique signature coffees, which can be used in many different brewing techniques. Blending is a way to control the aroma, taste and body, as well as the acidity of coffee. It is typically preferred to get an even and consistent taste that is appealing to a broad audience.
Robusta
Robusta beans are the second most sought-after kind of coffee bean in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids which are antioxidants found naturally. However, these acids may cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee beans sale and may produce undesirable flavors.
The plant is more robust than the arabica and may grow in less favorable conditions. It can withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a cost-effective crop to grow.
While it may seem counterintuitive however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you see names like Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee it’s possible there is also some robusta.
Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee bean company beans to cut costs and preserve the quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor, you should choose a high quality coffee beans quality bean from a trusted source. The best method to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans are more or less football shaped that makes them different from other varieties of coffee beans. They have a distinctive scent that is fruity and floral with the smoky notes. They are often added to other types of coffee beans to give them a deeper and more robust flavor.
Liberica coffee beans are available in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They can thrive in low altitudes, and they can tolerate hot, humid climates. They also have a much better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.
These attributes make them ideal for home cultivation. Online, you can buy seeds from a variety of sources. However, it is recommended to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils, with moderately acidic and adequate annual rainfall.
Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once considered a distinct species, but is now classified as an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on 20 to 30-foot coffee plants that are located at medium altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both fruity and tart which has made them a popular choice for blends in house. They are also less pronounced in aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still have a distinctive taste.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee coffeee Beans aren’t as popular as Arabica and Robusta, although they’re fourth popular. They were actually thought to be a different coffee plant species until 2006 when they were classified 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. These coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape, and an intriguing dark flavor. They are frequently used to give blends more body and a rich, tart taste of ripe fruit.
Arabica beans are the most well-known, and are well-known for their a sweeter taste. They thrive at higher altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They can be a bit acidic. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly they may impart notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.
Robusta is the second most sought-after coffee in the world, and is responsible for 40% of the coffee consumed worldwide. Robusta is rounder and smaller, but they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have woody and earthy overtones.
Once you’ve mastered the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it’s time to select your ideal coffee. If you’re looking to enjoy a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.