Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
If you’re a coffee enthusiast you’re likely aware that different varieties of beans produce varying flavor profiles. Learn more about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans are a variety of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, tarter flavor profile and are often used in blends of beans to give them added depth.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety of flavour profiles. The taste and aroma components of a coffee may vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and processing techniques used to produce it.
The word “coffee Beans Types (https://botdb.win)” comes from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are fruit seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were stimulated by eating these berries. The cultivation of coffee bean suppliers quickly spread all over the world.
Coffee beans can thrive at high altitudes and flourish in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is thought to be the best tasting type of coffee.
Many specialty coffee shops and roasters insist on the ethical source of their arabica beans and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that can be used in different brewing methods. Blending gives control over the aroma, taste, body and acidity of coffee. It is generally utilized to create an even and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market.
Robusta
Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common 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 that are antioxidants that naturally occur. However, these acids could cause oxidation during the process of brewing coffee and may result in undesirable flavors.
The plant itself is more robust than arabica, able to grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cost-effective crop to grow.
Although it might sound odd the fact is that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to create coffee beans sale blends. If you’ve noticed the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee bag and you can be sure that there’s some robusta as well.
While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans but the majority do blend both varieties to lower costs and preserve quality coffee beans. To ensure the integrity of the flavor you should select the highest rated coffee beans quality beans from a trusted source. The best method to achieve 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 coffee bean varieties. They have a distinctive scent that is fruity and floral with smokey undertones. They are often added to other bean varieties to create a more intense, fuller flavor.
Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They can thrive in low altitudes and tolerate hot, humid climates. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta.
These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. The seeds can be found on the internet from several sources, however it is recommended to purchase from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils, with a moderately acidic pH and sufficient annual rainfall.
Excelsa is a different type of coffee bean. It was originally classified as a distinct species, but has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on large 20-30-foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both fruity and tart that has made them a popular choice for blends in house. They have a milder aroma and caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta but they still have a distinct flavor.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee beans aren’t as widely used as Arabica and Robusta, despite being the fourth most popular. In fact they were regarded as an individual species of coffee plant until 2006 when they were changed to a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Currently, they’re cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world’s coffee production. These coffee beans are shaped in the shape of teardrops and are dark and mysterious in taste. These beans are often used to give blends additional body and a tangy taste of ripened fruits.
Arabica beans are the most well-known and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in warm, tropical environments and at high altitudes. They can be a bit acidic. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly they can be flavored like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.
Robusta is a close second to Arabica and accounts for around 40 percent of the world’s coffee. Robusta is rounder and smaller, yet they contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have earthy and woody overtones.
After you’ve learned about the four most common types of coffee beans you can now choose your ideal coffee. If you want a smooth mild flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.