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

If you're a coffee enthusiast you're likely to know that different varieties of beans can produce different flavors. Learn about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are one of the varieties of Liberica that is cultivated exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and more tart flavor profile and are often added to coffee blends to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee worldwide with 75% of global coffee bean near me beans produced. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta, and come in various flavour profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee are influenced by the conditions under which it is grown as well as the methods of processing used.

The word "coffee" derives from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were energized after eating the fruits. The cultivation of coffee spread quickly around the world.

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

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on the ethical source of their arabica beans by focusing on fair compensation for types of coffee beans farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees that can be used in various methods of brewing. Blending is a way to control the aroma, taste, body and acidity of coffee. It is typically used to create a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most widely used type of hasbean coffee bean grown across the globe. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against diseases and pests. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation during the brewing process of coffee and create undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica and is able to grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a efficient crop to grow.

While it may seem counterintuitive, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended together to create coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag, it's possible that there's also some robusta.

The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and kopi luwak coffee beans beans in order to cut costs and maintain quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor, it is essential to select a high-quality beans from a source you trust. The best way to achieve this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped which distinguishes them from other types of coffee beans. They have a unique aroma that is floral and fruity with smokey undertones. They are often paired with other coffee bean varieties to add the fuller, more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They are adaptable to humid, hot climates and can grow at low altitudes. They also have a much better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.

These characteristics make them ideal for home cultivation. You can purchase the seeds from many sources. However, it's best coffee beans to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure the highest quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica jamaican coffee beans are fertile deep volcano soils with moderately acidic and sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different type of coffee bean. It was once classified as a separate species, but has now been classified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are ovals that are cultivated on 20 to 30 feet coffee plants that are located at medium altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both tart and fruity which has made them a popular option in blends made by home. They have a less pronounced aroma and caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but they do possess a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most popular type of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't quite so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were considered to be an individual species of coffee plant until 2006 when they were reclassified to an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape, and an eerie, dark taste. They are often blended to add extra body and a delicious tart, ripe fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are renowned for their more sweetness. They thrive at high altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They can be a bit acidic. If brewed and roasted correctly they may have notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and makes up about 40 percent of the world's beans. These beans are smaller and more round, but have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have earthy and woody undertones.

After learning about the four most popular varieties, it's now time to select your favorite brew. If you're looking for a silky, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.