Coffee Bean
types of coffee beans: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
You've probably heard that different varieties can produce distinct flavors. Learn about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans are a variety of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter flavor profile and are frequently used in coffee blends for added depth.
Arabica
Arabica is the world's
most expensive coffee beans popular coffee, making up 75% of the world's coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta, and come in different flavors. The aroma and taste of a cup of coffee can differ significantly based on the growing conditions and the processing methods employed to produce it.
The word 'coffee' actually comes from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats became stimulated after eating these berries, and the cultivation of coffee soon began to spread throughout the world.
Coffee beans can thrive at high altitudes and flourish in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the main reasons for why Arabica is regarded as the best tasting coffee.
Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on the ethical source of arabica beans, focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique specialty coffees that are suitable for various brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the taste, aroma and body, as well as the acidity of coffee. It is usually used to create an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.
Robusta
Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most widely used type of
coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids which are antioxidants that occur naturally. However, these acids could cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and could result in unpleasant flavors.
The plant itself is more resilient than arabica, able grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective plant to cultivate.
While it might seem contradictory Robusta beans are frequently mixed with arabica to create
coffee bean near me blends. If you've seen the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya on a bag of coffee and you can be sure that there's some robusta in there too.
Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs and maintain quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor it is recommended to select the highest quality beans from a reliable source. The best method to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans have a shape like a football, which makes them different from other coffee beans. They have a distinctive aroma that is fruity and floral with the smoky notes. They are often paired with other coffee beans to give a more intense, fuller flavor.
Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They are adaptable to humid, hot conditions and can be grown at low altitudes. They also have a better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.
These qualities make them perfect for home-growing. You can purchase seeds from a variety of sources. However, it is recommended to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils that have a moderately acidic pH and sufficient annual rainfall.
Excelsa is a different type of coffee bean. It was initially classified as a separate species, but it has since been classified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans with an oval shape grow on large
cheap coffee beans plants, which can grow to 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both tart and fruity which makes them a popular choice for blends in house. They are also lighter in the aroma and caffeine compared to Arabica and Robusta yet still have a distinctive richness of flavor.
Excelsa
Although they're the fourth most coveted type of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't quite so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were considered to be a distinct coffee plant species until 2006 when they were reclassified to an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the world's production of coffee. These beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape, and a dark, mysterious flavor. These beans are often used to give blends additional body and a rich, tart taste of ripened fruits.
Arabica beans are the most well-known, and are known for having more sweetness. They thrive in tropical and warm climates and at high altitudes. They have a slight acidity. If brewed correctly and roast they can be a bit sweet with hints of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.
Robusta is a close second to Arabica and is responsible for about 40 percent of the world's
Speciality coffee Beans. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, but contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have earthy and woody overtones.
After learning about the four most common types, it's now time to pick your favorite drink. If you're looking for a silky and delicate taste, go for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.
