Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
If you’re a coffee enthusiast you’re probably aware that different varieties of beans can produce different flavors. Read on to learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter taste profile, and are often used in blends of coffee to enhance the flavor.
Arabica
Arabica is the most sought-after coffee worldwide with 75% of all global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are milder and have a sweeter flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety profiles. The taste and aroma components of a particular coffee beans unroasted can vary significantly based on the growing conditions and methods of processing used to make it.
The word “coffee” actually comes from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were energized by eating these berries. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly across the globe.
coffee beans unroasted beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and they are capable of flourishing in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons for why Arabica is considered to be the best tasting type of coffee.
Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on sourcing their arabica beans ethically by focusing on fair wages for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to make unique signature coffees that are well-suited for a wide range of brewing methods. Blending allows control over the aroma, taste and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is usually used to create an even and consistent taste that appeals a wide 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 and are more resistant against pests and diseases. 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 itself is more robust than arabica, and can grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a cheaper crop to grow.
Although it might seem odd it’s true that Robusta beans are often blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you’ve seen the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag then it’s likely that there’s some Robusta in there as well.
Most roasters employ a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to reduce costs and ensure quality. To preserve the quality of the flavor, it’s crucial to choose a high-quality beans from a source you trust. This can be achieved by buying your beans directly from a farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans are more or less football shaped and are therefore distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinct aroma that is floral and fruity with the smoky notes. They are added to other types of coffee beans (Read Alot more) to give them a more rounded and more robust taste.
Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They are well-adapted to humid, hot climates and can thrive at low altitudes. They also have a better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.
These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. Online, you can purchase the seeds from many sources. However, it’s best to buy the beans from local producers in order to guarantee quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic and adequate annual rainfall.
Excelsa is a different type of good coffee beans bean. It was once classified as a distinct species, but it has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that are cultivated on 20-30-foot coffee plants at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both fruity and tart which has made them a sought-after choice in house blends. They have a lighter aroma and higher caffeine levels than Arabica or Robusta but still possess a distinct depth of flavor.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee beans aren’t as common as Arabica and Robusta, although they’re fourth popular. 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. These days, they’re mostly grown in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world’s production of coffee. These beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and have an intriguing dark flavor. These beans are commonly used to give blends additional body and a sweet tart flavor of ripened fruits.
Arabica beans are the most popular and are renowned for having a an apricot-like flavor. They thrive in tropical and warm climates and at high altitudes. They are slightly acidic. When roasted and brewed properly they may have notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.
Robusta is the second most sought-after coffee worldwide, and is responsible for around 40% of all coffee consumed worldwide. These beans are smaller and more round, but have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two varieties and have an earthy, woody taste.
After you’ve learned about the four most common types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it’s time to select the perfect coffee beans for sale. If you’re looking to enjoy a smooth and delicate taste, go for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.