Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
You've probably heard that different varieties can produce different flavors. Learn about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter taste profile, and are often added to blends of coffee to add depth.
Arabica
Arabica is the most sought-after coffee in the world, making up 75% of all global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are sweeter and less acidic than Robusta, and they come in different flavors. The taste and aroma components of a cup of coffee can differ greatly based on the climatic conditions and processing techniques employed to produce it.
The word "coffee beans types (
Link Home Page)" actually is derived from the Arabic word for berry, and
coffee beans sale beans are actually fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats were energy-rich after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of
coffee bean company soon spread across the world.
Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and flourish with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons that Arabica is regarded as the best-tasting type of coffee.
Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on the ethical source of their arabica beans and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to make distinctive coffees that can be used in many brewing methods. Blending gives you control over the aroma, flavor as well as body and acidity of the coffee. It is usually preferred to achieve a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a larger market.
Robusta
Robusta beans are the second most sought-after type of coffee bean around the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acid, which are antioxidants naturally found in. These acids can cause oxidation in the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.
The plant is more robust than the arabica and may be grown in less favorable climates. It can tolerate warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows more quickly than arabica. This makes it a more cost effective crop to grow.
Although it might sound odd, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you notice the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee bag then it's likely that there's some robusta in there too.
Most roasters employ a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs while maintaining the quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor you must select the best quality beans from a reliable source. This can be achieved by buying your beans directly from the farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans are more or less football shaped that makes them different from other coffee bean types. They have an aroma that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are added to other types of coffee beans to give them a more rounded, more robust taste.
Liberica coffee beans are available in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They can be grown at low altitudes and withstand hot, humid climates. They are also more resistant to diseases than Arabica or Robusta.
These characteristics make them ideal for home-growing. Online, you can buy the seeds from many sources. However, it is recommended to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure the highest quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic and sufficient annual rainfall.
Another type of coffee
bean to cup coffee beans is Excelsa which was originally considered a distinct species, but has been re-classified as a subspecies of Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on 20-30-foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. Their distinctive taste is tart and sour, making them a popular option for blends that are house-made. They are also lighter on flavor and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta however they still have a distinctive taste.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta, yet they're the fourth most popular. They were actually considered a different coffee plant species up until 2006, at which point they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Today, they're grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. The beans have a distinctive teardrop-shaped shape and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They're often used in blends to add extra body and a rich, tart, ripened fruit taste.
Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are renowned for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in tropical, warm climates and high altitudes. They can be a bit acidic. When roasted and brewed correctly they can be flavored like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.
Robusta is the second most adored coffee around the world. It makes up around 40% of all
luxury coffee beans consumed globally. Robusta beans are more round 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 earthy and woody overtones.
Now that you know the four most common types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select your ideal coffee. If you're looking for a silky soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.
