coffee beans types Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa

You've probably heard that different varieties produce different flavors. Find out more about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica is grown 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 the world's production. Arabica beans are milder and have a sweeter flavor than Robusta and come in a variety profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee are influenced by the conditions under which it is grown and the processing methods used.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word meaning berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats became stimulated after eating these fruits, and the cultivation of coffee beans lavazza quickly spread across the world.

Coffee Beans In Chocolate beans can be grown at high altitudes and thrive with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is thought to be the best tasting kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters insist on using ethically-sourced arabica beans, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to make unique signature coffees that are suitable for a wide range of methods of brewing. Blending is a way to control the aroma, flavor, body, and acidity of the coffee and is usually preferred to achieve a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most coveted type of coffee bean in the world. 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 antioxidants found naturally. However, these acids can cause oxidation during the process of brewing coffee and could result in unpleasant flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica, able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and thrives in direct sun. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, Dark Chocolate Coffee beans which makes it a cost-effective crop to cultivate.

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

The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans to cut costs and maintain the quality. To maintain the quality of the flavor, it's important to select a high-quality bean from a supplier you are confident in. The best method to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape like a football, which is what makes them distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have a smell that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are added to other coffee bean types to give them a richer and more robust taste.

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

These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. Online, you can buy seeds from numerous sources. However, it is ideal to purchase the beans from local producers in order to guarantee quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee include fertile, deep volcano soils with moderately acidic, and enough annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different type of ground coffee beans bean. It was initially classified as a separate species, but has now been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These oval-shaped coffee beans are grown on large coffee plants that can reach 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both tart and fruity that has made them a sought-after selection in blends for house. They have a less pronounced aroma and caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but they still have a unique depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta although they're fourth popular. They were considered to be an entirely different species of coffee up until 2006, at which point they were classified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the world's production of coffee. The beans have a distinctive teardrop shape, and a dark, mysterious taste. They are typically used to give blends more body and a tangy taste of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are known for having a sweeter taste. They thrive best at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They also have a bit of acidity. If brewed and roasted correctly they may impart notes like chocolate covered coffee beans, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most sought-after coffee beans in chocolate in the world, and makes up around 40% of all coffee consumed worldwide. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, yet they contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two varieties and have an earthy and woody taste.

After you've learned about the four most commonly used types of coffee beans, it's time to choose your perfect brew. If you want a smooth and delicate taste, go for an arabica or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.