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

If you're a fan of coffee you're likely aware that different kinds of beans have different flavor profiles. Find out 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 fruitier, tarter taste profile and are often used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of the global production. Arabica beans have a sweeter and less sour flavor than Robusta and come in a variety of flavor profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee are influenced by the conditions in which it is grown as well as the processing methods used.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word that means berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were stimulated by eating these fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee quickly spread around the world.

unroasted coffee beans wholesale beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and they are in a position to thrive when exposed to cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is believed to be the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on sourcing their arabica beans ethically and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique coffees, which can be used in a variety of brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the flavour, aroma and body as well as the acidity of the coffee and is typically preferred to create an even and consistent taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most widely used type of cafe coffee beans bean that is grown worldwide. They have a higher caffeine content per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids which are antioxidants that naturally occur. These acids can cause oxidation in the coffee's brewing process and cause undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica, able thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee bean suppliers near me per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective plant to cultivate.

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

The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs while maintaining quality. To preserve the flavor integrity you must select a high quality bean from a trusted source. The best method to do this is to bulk buy coffee beans your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape like a football, that makes them different from other coffee beans. They are characterized by a smell that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are often added to other coffee beans to give the fuller, more robust flavor.

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

These qualities make them perfect for home-growing. The seeds can be found on the internet from several sources, but it's preferred to purchase them from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica Light Roast Coffee Beans are fertile, deep volcano soils with moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once considered a distinct 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. They have a distinct flavor that is both fruity and tart which has made them a popular option in blends made by home. They have a lighter scent and a lower caffeine content that is less than Arabica or Robusta but they still have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth-most popular kind of coffee beans, Excelsa coffeee beans aren't quite as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were regarded as a separate coffee plant species until 2006 when they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped like a teardrop and have a dark, mysterious taste. They're frequently used in blends to add body and a delicious, tart, ripened fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They thrive at higher altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They also have a touch of acidity. If properly roasted and brewed they can be a bit sweet with hints of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and accounts for around 40% of the world's coffee. These beans are smaller and rounder however they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties, and tend to have woody and earthy undertones.

After having a better understanding of the four most common types, it's now time to pick your favorite drink. If you want a smooth and delicate taste, go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.