Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
You probably already know that different varieties produce different flavors. Read on to learn about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans are a variety of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier, more tart flavor and are frequently used in blends of beans to give them added depth.
Arabica
Arabica is the most sought-after coffee in the world, making up 75% of the global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta and come in different flavour profiles. The taste and aroma components of a coffee can vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and the processing methods employed to make it.
The word "coffee" actually originates from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are fruit seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were stimulated after eating these berries, and the cultivation of coffee quickly was a global phenomenon.
Coffee beans can thrive at high altitudes and flourish in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is considered to be the best tasting type of coffee.
Many specialty coffee shops and roasters insist on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique coffees, which are suitable for a variety of brewing methods. Blending allows control over the taste, aroma and body, as well as the acidity of coffee. It is generally preferred to achieve a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals a wide market.
Robusta
Robusta beans are the second-most popular type of coffee bean in the world. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to pests and disease. 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 may produce undesirable flavors.
The plant itself is more robust than arabica, able thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and does well in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows more quickly than arabica. This makes it a economically viable crop to cultivate.
While it might seem contradictory Robusta beans are typically blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you see the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a
coffee bean suppliers near me bag it's likely there's some robusta in there as well.
The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs while maintaining quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor you should select the highest quality beans from a reliable source. This can be done by buying 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 are characterized by a smell that is floral, fruity and smoky. They are often added to other types of coffee beans to provide them with a more rich, more robust taste.
Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They are tolerant of hot, humid climates and can grow at low altitudes. They also have a much better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.
These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. Online, you can purchase seeds from a variety of sources. However, it is best to buy the beans from local producers to ensure high-quality. The ideal conditions to grow Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils, with a pH that is moderately acidic and sufficient annual rainfall.
Excelsa is another type of coffee bean. It was previously classified as a distinct species, but it has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These oval-shaped coffee beans are grown on large coffee plants that reach 20-30 feet in height at medium altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both fruity and tart that has made them a popular choice in house blends. They have a more subtle scent and a lower caffeine levels than Arabica or Robusta but they still have a distinct flavor.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee beans aren't as widely used as Arabica and Robusta, yet they're the fourth most popular. They were actually regarded as a different
light roast coffee beans 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% of the global production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped in the shape of teardrops and are dark and mysterious in taste. They are frequently utilized to give blends extra body and a sweet tart flavor of ripened fruits.
Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are renowned for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in warm, tropical environments and at high altitudes. They have a slight acidity. When properly roasted and brewed they may be flavored with notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.
Robusta is the second most popular
coffee beans wholesale suppliers in the world and is responsible for around 40% of the coffee consumed worldwide. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder however 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 undertones.
After learning about the four most commonly used types of brew, it's time to select the best brew. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors go for an arabica bean or a blend made up of robusta beans and arabica beans.