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

If you're a strong coffee beans lover you're probably aware that different decaf beans coffee have distinct flavor profiles. Find out more about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a variety of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier, tarter flavor profile and are often used in blends of beans to give them added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the world's most popular coffee bean shop and accounts for 75% of global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta. They also are available in a variety of flavours. The flavor and aroma of coffee is affected by the conditions in the conditions it is grown and the processing methods used.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word that means the berry. coffee beans bristol beans are actually seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were more energetic after eating the berries, and the cultivation of coffee soon began to spread throughout the world.

Coffee beans can be grown 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 roasters and shops are focused on sourcing their arabica beans ethically by focusing on fair wages for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees that are well-suited for many different methods of brewing. Blending allows for control over the aroma, flavor and body as well as the acidity of the coffee and is frequently preferred to achieve an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most popular kind of coffee bean in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids may cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and may produce undesirable flavors.

The plant is more resilient than the arabica and may be grown in less favorable climates. It can withstand warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cost-effective crop to grow.

While it may seem counterintuitive however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags it's likely that there's also some robusta.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs while maintaining the quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor it is recommended to select the best quality beans from a reliable source. This can be achieved by purchasing your beans directly from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is like a football, that makes them different from other coffee beans. They have a unique aroma that is fruity and floral with smokey undertones. They are added to other types of 500g coffee beans beans to give them a deeper and more robust taste.

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

These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. You can purchase seeds on the internet from a variety of sources, however it's preferred to purchase them locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils that have moderately acidic and adequate annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered a distinct species, but is now classified as a variation of Liberica. The coffee beans that are oval in shape grow on large coffee plants that can reach 20-30 feet in height at medium altitudes. They have a distinctive taste that is both fruity and tart, which has made them a sought-after choice in house blends. They have a lighter aroma and caffeine content that is less than Arabica or Robusta but they still have a unique 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 regarded as a separate coffee plant species until 2006 when they were reclassified to an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Today, they're grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape, and a dark, mysterious taste. These beans are often used to give blends additional body and a sweet tart flavor of ripe fruits.

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

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee around the world. It is responsible for around 40% of all coffee consumed worldwide. These beans are rounder and smaller, yet contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two varieties and have a woody, earthy taste.

Once you've mastered the four most common types of coffee beans types beans, it's time to choose the perfect cup. If you prefer an elegant and delicate taste opt for an arabica or a blend comprised of arabica beans and robusta beans.