Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa

If you're a coffee lover you're likely to know that different types of beans have distinct flavor profiles. Learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter flavor profile and are often utilized in blends of coffee for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of the global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and less acidic than Robusta, and they are available in a variety of flavours. The taste and aroma components of a coffee can vary in a wide range depending on the cultivation conditions and processing techniques used to produce it.

The word "coffee beans online" originates from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats were stimulated after eating these berries, and that the cultivation of coffee quickly spread across the world.

highest rated coffee beans beans can thrive at high altitudes and flourish in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the reasons that Arabica is regarded as the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee beans shop shops and roasters concentrate on the ethical source of arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique coffees, which can be used in many different brewing techniques. Blending gives control over the aroma, flavor and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is generally preferred to get a consistent and balanced flavor that is appealing to a broad audience.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean grown in the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids that are antioxidants that naturally occur. These acids can cause oxidation in the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.

The plant is more resilient than the arabica and can be grown in less favorable climates. It can tolerate higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows faster than arabica. This makes it a more cost effective crop to grow.

Although it might sound odd, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags, it's possible that there's also some robusta.

Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans but the majority do combine the two varieties to cut costs and ensure the quality. To ensure the quality of the flavor, it's important to select a top-quality beans from a source you trust. The best method to achieve this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped which distinguishes them from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinctive aroma that is fruity and floral with subtle smoky undertones. They are paired with other types of coffee beans to give them a deeper, more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They can be found at low altitudes and withstand hot, humid climates. They are also more resistant to diseases than Arabica or Robusta.

These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. The seeds can be found on the internet from a variety of sources, but it's best to buy locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The best growing conditions for Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH, and adequate 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 with an oval shape grow on large coffee plants that range from 20-30 feet in height at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is sweet and tart, making them a popular option for blends that are house-made. They have a lighter aroma and higher caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta but still have a distinct flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most popular type of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't quite as easily accessible as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually regarded as distinct species of coffee up until 2006, when they were reclassified to become a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans have the shape of a teardrop and are dark and mysterious in taste. These beans are often used to give blends extra body and a tangy taste of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They also have a touch of acidity. When properly roasted and brewed they may have notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most sought-after coffee in the world, and makes up around 40% of all coffee consumed in the world. Robusta beans are more round and smaller, yet they contain more caffeine than 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 and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select your perfect brew. If you're looking for a silky soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.