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

You probably already know that different types of plants produce different flavors. Find out about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a type Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter flavor profile and are often used in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most well-known coffee in the world accounting for 75% of the world's coffee bean production. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta and come in different flavors. The aroma and taste of a coffee may vary significantly based on the growing conditions and processing techniques used to produce it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word that means the berry. costa Coffee Beans beans are actually seeds that develop within bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats became energized after eating these berries, and that the cultivation of coffee soon began to spread throughout the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and are able to thrive when exposed to cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the main reasons for why Arabica is considered to be the best tasting coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops concentrate on the ethical source of their arabica beans, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique coffees, which are suitable for different brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the flavour, aroma and body of the coffee and is typically preferred to achieve a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They have more caffeine per bean and are more resistant 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 itself is more durable than arabica, able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more speciality coffee beans per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective plant to grow.

Although it may sound contradictory it's true that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to make coffee ground beans blends. If you see names such as Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee it's possible that there is also some robusta.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and preserve quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor it is recommended to select a high quality bean from a trusted source. The best method to do this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped, which makes them distinct from other coffee bean types. They have a distinct aroma that is floral and fruity with the smoky notes. They are paired with other types of coffee beans to give them a more rounded, more robust taste.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for home cultivation. It is possible to purchase the seeds online from many sources, however it's best to purchase them from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils that have moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of raw coffee beans bean is Excelsa that was once considered to be a separate species but has been re-classified as a subspecies of Liberica. These coffee beans with an oval shape are grown on large coffee plants that range from 20-30 feet in height at medium altitudes. They have a distinctive taste that is both tart and fruity, which has made them a preferred choice for blends in house. They are also less heavy on aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta and Robusta, yet they have a distinct quality of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta, although they're fourth popular. In fact they were considered to be a distinct coffee plant species until 2006 when they were classified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the global production of coffee. These coffee beans are shaped as a teardrop and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They're typically used in blends to give extra body and a full tart, ripe fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most popular, and are known for having an apricot-like flavor. They thrive best at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They also have a hint of acidity. If brewed correctly and roast, costa coffee beans they can have notes of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.

Robusta is an extremely close second to Arabica and is responsible for about 40 percent of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, but they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties, and tend to have woody and earthy overtones.

After having learned about the four most commonly used types you can now choose your favorite brew. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors pick an arabica or a blend of robusta beans and arabica beans.