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

You've probably heard that different varieties produce different flavors. Find out about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are one of the varieties of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, tarter flavor profile and are frequently used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most well-known coffee in the world accounting for 75% of all global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are milder and have a sweeter flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety of flavor profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee are affected by the conditions under which it is grown and the processing methods employed.

The word 'coffee' actually comes from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were energized by eating these fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly around the world.

Coffee beans can thrive at high altitudes, and thrive with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons that Arabica is considered to be the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops concentrate 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 that can be used in a variety of brewing methods. Blending gives you control over the Lavazza Crema E Aroma Coffee Beans 1kg, flavor and body as well as the acidity of the coffee and is usually preferred to create an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean grown in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more resistant 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 can cause undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica, and can thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows more quickly than arabica. This makes it a cost effective crop to grow.

While it may seem counterintuitive it's true that Robusta beans are often combined with arabica to create coffee blends. If you've seen the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya listed on a bag of coffee it's likely there's some Robusta in there as well.

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority use combine the two varieties in order to cut costs and preserve the quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor, it's essential to select a top-quality bean from a source that you trust. This can be done by buying your beans directly from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped, which makes them distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinctive aroma that is floral and fruity with subtle smoky undertones. They are often added to other types of coffee beans to provide them with a more rich and more robust flavor.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. You can purchase seeds online from a number of sources, but it is recommended to purchase from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils that have moderately acidic and adequate annual rainfall.

Excelsa is another type of coffee bean. It was once classified as a separate species, but has been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans with an oval shape grow on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20 to 30 feet in height at medium altitudes. Their distinctive taste is tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for house blends. They have a more subtle flavor and lower caffeine content that is less than Arabica or Robusta but still have a distinct flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta despite being the fourth most popular. They were actually regarded as a different coffee plant species until 2006 when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. These beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape, and a dark, mysterious flavor. They're often used in blends to provide Introducing Brown Bear Black Mamba: Extra Strong Coffee body and a full, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in warm, tropical climates as well as at higher altitudes. They have a slight acidity. If brewed correctly and roast, they can have notes of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee in the world and is responsible for around 40% of all coffee consumed around the world. Robusta beans are smaller and more round however, they contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two types and have an earthy, woody taste.

Now that you've learned the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select your ideal coffee. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor pick an arabica or a blend comprised of arabica beans and robusta beans.