Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
You’ve probably heard that different varieties produce different flavors. Read on to learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter flavor, and are often added to blends of coffee to enhance the flavor.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of the world’s production. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavours. The flavor and aroma of coffee can be affected by the conditions under the conditions in which it grows and the processing methods used.
The word “coffee” comes from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee bean company beans are actually fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats became more energetic after eating the berries, and the cultivation of coffee soon became widespread across the globe.
Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, Coffeee Beans and they are in a position to thrive when exposed to cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is considered to be the best tasting kind of speciality coffee beans.
Many specialty coffee beans (read this post from Humanlove) coffee roasters and shops concentrate on the ethical source of their arabica beans by focusing on fair compensation for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees, which can be used in various brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the aroma, taste and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is typically preferred to get an even and consistent taste that appeals to a broad market.
Robusta
Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most widely used type of coffee bean grown in the world. They contain more caffeine 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. However, these acids can cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and can cause undesirable flavors.
The plant is more resilient than the arabica, and can grow in less favorable conditions. It can tolerate higher temperatures and does well in direct sun. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cheaper crop to grow.
Although it might appear counterintuitive, Robusta beans are often mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you see names like Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags it’s possible that there is also some robusta.
Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and preserve the quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor you must select an excellent bean from a trusted source. This can be accomplished by purchasing the beans directly from the farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans have a shape that is similar to a football, which is what makes them distinct from other coffee beans. They have a scent that is floral, fruity and smoky. They are often paired with other expensive coffee beans bean varieties to provide a more intense, fuller flavor.
Liberica coffee beans are available in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They can thrive in low altitudes and tolerate humid, hot climates. They also have a better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.
These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. The seeds can be found online from many sources, but it’s best to purchase them from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. 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.
Excelsa is a different type of coffee bean. It was initially classified as a separate species, but it has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These oval-shaped coffee beans are found on large coffee plants that can reach 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. They have a distinctive taste that is both fruity and tart that has made them a preferred choice for blends in house. They have a milder scent and a lower caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but they do have a unique depth of flavor.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee beans aren’t as well-known as Arabica and Robusta even though they are the fourth most popular. They were actually regarded as an entirely different species of coffee up until 2006, at which point 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 have a distinctive teardrop shape and carry a dark, mysterious taste. They’re typically used in blends to provide extra body and a delicious, tart, ripened fruit taste.
Arabica beans are the most popular and are renowned for their an apricot-like flavor. They thrive in warm, tropical environments and at high altitudes. They also have a touch of acidity. When roasted and brewed correctly they may impart notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.
Robusta is the second most popular coffee around the world. It is responsible for 40% of the coffee consumed worldwide. Robusta beans are more round and smaller, yet contain more caffeine than Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have earthy and woody undertones.
After learning about the four most common types you can now select the best brew. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor opt for an arabica or a blend of robusta beans and arabica beans.