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

If you're a Coffee Beans Types (Bauer-Kim-2.Blogbright.Net) enthusiast you're probably aware that different varieties of beans have different flavor profiles. Learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, which are a variety of Liberica which is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter taste profile, and are often used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee in the world accounting for 75% of global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter taste than Robusta, and come in a variety of flavour profiles. The taste and aroma components of a coffee can vary significantly based on the growing conditions and methods of processing used to make it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout within bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were stimulated by eating these berries. The cultivation of coffee quickly spread all over the world.

Coffee beans can flourish at high altitudes and thrive in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is believed to be the most delicious type of coffee beans unroasted.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops are focused on the ethical source of their arabica beans by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees, which are suitable for a variety of brewing methods. Blending can be used to control the flavour, aroma, body, and acidity of the coffee. It is usually preferred to create an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most sought-after kind of coffee bean in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acid, which are antioxidants that occur naturally. However, these acids could cause oxidation during the coffee brewing process and can cause undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica, able thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and does well in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a more cost effective crop to grow.

While it may sound counterintuitive the fact is that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended together to create coffee blends. If you see the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a bag of coffee it's likely there's a bit of robusta as well.

The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans online beans in order to cut costs and preserve 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 are more or less football-shaped that makes them different from other coffee bean types. They have a scent that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are added to other types of coffee beans to give them a deeper and more robust taste.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. Online, you can purchase seeds from numerous sources. However, it is recommended to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure the highest quality. The ideal conditions to grow Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils, with moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different kind of coffee bean. It was initially classified as a distinct species, but has been classified as a Liberica variant. These oval-shaped coffee beans are found on large coffee plants that can reach 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their unique flavor is sweet and tart, making them a popular option for blends that are house-made. They are also less heavy on scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta and Robusta, yet they have a distinct richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most sought-after type of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. In fact, they were considered distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were classified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Nowadays, they're grown mostly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's coffee production. The coffee beans have the shape of a teardrop and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They are often blended to provide extra body and a delicious tart, ripe fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most popular, and are well-known for their a sweeter taste. They thrive in warm, tropical environments and at high altitudes. They are slightly acidic. When properly roasted and brewed they may be flavored with notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is an extremely close second to Arabica and makes up around 40 percent of the world's beans. These beans are rounder and smaller, but they have more caffeine than Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two varieties and have an earthy and woody taste.

After learning about the four most common types of brew, it's time to select your favorite brew. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors opt for an arabica or a blend of robusta beans and arabica beans.