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

If you're a fan of coffee, you likely already know that different beans have different flavor profiles. Find out about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is cultivated exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, tarter taste profile and are often utilized in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of all global production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta. They also come in different flavors. The aroma and taste of coffee is affected by the conditions in the conditions it is grown and the processing methods used.

The word "coffee" actually is derived 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 realized that their goats became energy-rich after eating these berries, and that the cultivation of coffee quickly began to spread throughout the world.

barista coffee beans beans can be grown at high altitudes, and are in a position to thrive when exposed to cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons that Arabica is considered to be the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops focus 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 various brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the aroma, taste, body and acidity of coffee. It is generally preferred to achieve a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean cultivated worldwide. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more protected against diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation during the brewing process of coffee and create undesirable flavors.

The plant is more robust than the arabica and is able to grow in less favorable environments. It can withstand higher 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 may seem counterintuitive it's true that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you see the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee bag it's likely there's a bit of robusta as well.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs and preserve the quality. In order to preserve the integrity of the flavor, it is essential to select a top-quality bean from a source that you can trust. The best way to achieve this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped and are therefore distinct from other types of coffee beans. They are characterized by a smell that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are added to other types of coffee beans to give them a more rounded and more robust taste.

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

These qualities make them ideal for home-growing. It is possible to purchase the seeds online from a number of sources, however it is best to buy from local producers to guarantee the coffee bean shop quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different variety of coffee bean. It was originally classified as a separate species, but it has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are ovals that are grown on large 20-30-foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both tart and fruity that has made them a preferred option in blends made by home. They are also less pronounced in flavor and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta however they still have a distinct richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most coveted type of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. They were considered to be to be a different species of coffee up 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 world's production of coffee. The coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape, and a dark, mysterious taste. They're frequently used in blends to give extra body and a delicious tart, ripe fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are renowned for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in tropical and warm environments and at high altitudes. They also have a touch of acidity. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly they may have notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee in the world, and makes up around 40% of the coffee consumed in the world. These beans are rounder and smaller, but contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have woody and earthy undertones.

After you've learned about the four most popular types of 500g coffee beans beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select the perfect coffee. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.