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

If you're a lover of coffee you're probably aware that different kinds of decaf beans coffee have different flavor profiles. Find out more about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a type Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter flavor profile, and are often added to blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and less acidic than Robusta and come in different flavors. The taste and aroma components of a cup of coffee can differ significantly based on the growing conditions and processing methods employed to produce it.

The word "coffee" derives from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of coffee soon began to spread throughout the world.

coffee bean suppliers beans can be grown at high altitudes and flourish in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons for why Arabica is regarded as the best-tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on the ethical source of arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that are suitable for different brewing methods. Blending allows for control over the aroma, flavor as well as body and acidity of the coffee. It is frequently preferred to create an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean grown across the globe. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. However, these acids could cause oxidation during the process of brewing coffee and can cause undesirable flavors.

The plant is more resilient than the arabica and can be grown in less favorable climates. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant and grows faster than arabica. This makes it a more efficient crop to grow.

While it may seem counterintuitive however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you notice the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya on a bag of Coffee beans types, it's likely that there's some robusta in there as well.

Although some roasters only use arabica beans, the majority use combine the two varieties to reduce costs and ensure the quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor it is recommended to select the highest quality beans from a reliable source. 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 have a distinct aroma that is floral and fruity with the smoky notes. They are added to other types of amazon coffee beans beans to provide them with a more rich and more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They can thrive in low altitudes and can withstand hot, humid climates. They also have a better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These characteristics make them ideal for home cultivation. On the internet, you can purchase the seeds from many sources. However, it's recommended to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils that have a moderately acidic pH and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered a distinct species, but is now classified as a variant of Liberica. These oval-shaped coffee beans are grown on large coffee plants that can reach 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their unique taste is both tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for blends in the home. They are also less pronounced in scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta and Robusta, yet they have a distinctive quality of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta, although they're fourth popular. They were actually thought to be to be a different species of coffee up until 2006, at which point they were classified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. These days, they're mostly grown 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, eerie taste. They are often blended to provide extra body and a delicious, tart, ripened fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive in tropical, warm climates as well as at higher altitudes. They are slightly acidic. When properly roasted and brewed, they can have notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee in the world and makes up around 40% of the coffee consumed globally. These beans are rounder and smaller, but they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two varieties and have a woody, earthy taste.

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