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

You've probably heard that different types produce different flavors. Find out about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

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

Arabica

Arabica coffee Buy Lavazza Super Crema Beans 1 Kg Bag comprise 75% of all global production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta and come in different flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee can vary widely depending on the growing conditions and the processing methods employed to make it.

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

Coffee beans can flourish at high altitudes and thrive in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons for why Arabica is considered to be the best tasting coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make unique signature coffees that are well-suited for many different methods of brewing. Blending gives you control over the flavour, aroma, body, and acidity of the coffee and is usually preferred to achieve a balanced and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean grown in the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation during the coffee's brewing process and cause undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica and may thrive in less favorable conditions. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a more economically viable crop to cultivate.

While it may sound counterintuitive, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you see names such as Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags, it's possible that there is also some robusta.

Although some roasters only use arabica beans, the majority of roasters use blend both varieties to lower costs and preserve quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor it is recommended to select an excellent bean from a trusted source. This can be accomplished by buying your beans directly from a farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is similar to a football, which is why they are different from other types of coffee beans. They have an aroma that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are added to other coffee bean types to give them a more rounded and more robust taste.

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

These qualities make them perfect for home-growing. You can find the seeds on the internet from a variety of sources, but it's recommended to purchase locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants include fertile, deep volcanic soils with a moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once considered a distinct species, but is now classified as a variation of Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on large 20 to 30-foot coffee plants at medium altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both fruity and tart which has made them a popular selection in blends for house. They have a lighter aroma and caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta but they do have a distinct flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta although they're fourth popular. In fact, they were considered a distinct coffee plant species until 2006 when they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the global production of coffee. The coffee beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and have an intriguing dark chocolate coffee gift jar - just treats collection flavor. They are frequently utilized to give blends extra body and a rich tart taste of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are renowned for their a sweeter taste. They grow best at high altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They also have a touch of acidity. When roasted and brewed properly they can be a bit sweet with hints of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second only to Arabica and makes up about 40 percent of the world's beans. Robusta is rounder and smaller, yet contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have earthy and woody undertones.

Now that you know the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans now is the time to pick the perfect coffee. If you're looking for a silky, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.