Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
If you're a coffee enthusiast, you likely already know that different beans produce varying flavor profiles. Learn about four of the most widely used varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and more tart flavor profile and are often added to blends of beans to enhance the flavor.
Arabica
Arabica is the most sought-after coffee worldwide accounting for 75% of global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta, and come in different flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of a cup of coffee can differ widely depending on the growing conditions and methods of processing employed to make it.
The word 'coffee' actually is derived from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were invigorated by eating these berries. The cultivation of coffee grew rapidly around the world.
coffee beans types (
his comment is here) beans can thrive at high altitudes and thrive in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons for why Arabica is regarded as the most delicious
cafe coffee beans.
Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on the ethical source of arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that can be used in various methods of brewing. Blending gives control over the aroma, taste, body and acidity of coffee. It is usually utilized to create a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals a wide market.
Robusta
Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation during the
coffee beans near me brewing and produce undesirable flavors.
The plant is more robust than the arabica and is able to grow in less favorable environments. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows more quickly than arabica. This makes it a economical crop to cultivate.
While it might seem contradictory Robusta beans are typically mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee it's possible that there's also some robusta.
While some roasters use exclusively arabica beans, most do combine both varieties to lower costs and ensure the quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor you should select an excellent bean from a trusted source. This can be done by purchasing your beans direct from farmers.
Liberica
Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football which is what makes them distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinct aroma that is floral and fruity with subtle smoky undertones. They are often blended with other coffee beans to give a more intense, fuller flavor.
Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They are tolerant of hot, humid climates and can thrive at low altitudes. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta.
These qualities make them perfect for home cultivation. The seeds can be found on the internet from a variety of sources, but it's best to buy from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils that have a pH that is moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.
Excelsa is a different variety of
bulk coffee beans bean. It was originally classified as a separate 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. Their unique taste is both tart and sour, making them a popular option for blends in the home. They have a less pronounced scent and a lower caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta however they have a distinct flavor.
Excelsa
Excelsa
barista coffee beans decaf beans coffee aren't as widely used as Arabica and Robusta although they're fourth popular. They were considered to be distinct species of coffee up until 2006, at which point they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Currently, they're cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's coffee production. These beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and have an eerie, dark taste. They're frequently used in blends to provide extra body and a rich, tart, ripened fruit flavor.
Arabica beans are the most popular, and are known for having an apricot-like flavor. They thrive at higher altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They also have a bit of acidity. If brewed correctly and roast they may have notes of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.
Robusta is the second most-loved coffee around the world. It accounts for about 40% of the coffee consumed around the world. These 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 earthy and woody overtones.
After learning about the four most popular types you can now choose your favorite brew. If you want a smooth and delicate taste, go for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.