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

You've probably heard that different types of plants produce distinct flavors. Read on to learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and more tart flavor and are often utilized in blends of coffee for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of global production. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta and come in various flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee are influenced by the conditions under the conditions it is grown and the methods of processing used.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow within bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were energized after eating the berries. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly all over the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and are in a position to thrive when exposed to cool 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 bean suppliers near me shops and roasters focus on the ethical sourcing of arabica beans, with a focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique signature coffees that can be used in a variety of brewing methods. Blending allows control over the aroma, flavor and body of the coffee. It is generally preferred to achieve a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals a wide market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most sought-after type of coffee bean around the world. 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 coffee's brewing process and cause undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica, able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate higher temperatures and does well in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cost-effective crop to grow.

Although it might seem odd it's true that Robusta beans are often blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you see names like Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags, it's possible that there's also some robusta.

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs while maintaining quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor you should select a high quality bean from a trusted source. This can be done by purchasing your beans direct from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is similar to a football which is why they are different from other coffee beans. They have a smell that is floral, fruity and smoky. They are added to other types of coffee beans to provide them with a more rich, more robust taste.

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

These attributes make them ideal to grow at home. Online, you can purchase the seeds from many sources. However, it's best to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile, deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once thought to be a separate species, but is now classified as an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on 20-30 foot coffee plants at medium altitudes. Their distinctive flavor is tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for blends that are house-made. They are also less pronounced in aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still possess a unique depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa top 10 coffee beans beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta yet they're the fourth most popular. They were actually regarded as a different coffee plant species until 2006, when they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Currently, they're cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's coffee production. These coffee beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and have a dark, mysterious flavor. They are often blended to add extra body and a luscious tart, ripe fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most well-known, and are known for having the most delicious taste. They thrive in tropical, warm climates as well as at higher altitudes. They have a little acidity. If properly brewed and roasted they may impart notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee in the world and is responsible for 40% of the coffee consumed globally. Robusta is rounder and smaller, but they have twice as much caffeine than Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have woody and earthy undertones.

After learning about the four most commonly used types, it's now time to select your favorite brew. If you prefer an elegant and delicate taste pick an arabica, or a blend consisting of robusta beans and arabica beans.