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

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

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and more tart flavor profile and are often used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of global production. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter taste than Robusta, and come in a variety profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee can vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and processing techniques used to produce it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word that means berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats became energy-rich after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of coffee beans types soon was a global phenomenon.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and flourish with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is thought to be the best tasting kind of coffee.

Many specialty bulk coffee beans roasters and shops concentrate on the ethical source of their arabica beans, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to make unique specialty coffees that are well-suited for a wide range of methods of brewing. Blending allows control over the aroma, taste and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is generally utilized to create an even and consistent taste that is appealing to a broad audience.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean grown across the globe. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids that are antioxidants that occur naturally. However, these acids can cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and may produce undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica and is able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate higher temperatures and does well in direct sun. 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 arabica and Robusta beans are often blended together to create coffee blends. If you notice the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee beans near me bag and you can be sure that there's some robusta in there as well.

Although some roasters only use arabica beans, the majority of roasters use a mix of both varieties to lower costs and preserve quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor you must select a high quality bean from a reliable source. The best method to do this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is similar to a football which is why they are different from other types of coffee bean near me beans. They have a distinctive scent that is fruity and floral with subtle smoky undertones. They are often added to other bean varieties to add the fuller, more robust flavor.

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

These qualities make them perfect to grow at home. The seeds can be found on the internet from several sources, however it's preferred to purchase them from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils, with a pH that is moderately acidic and adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once considered to be a separate species but has been re-classified as a subspecies of Liberica. These gourmet coffee beans beans with an oval shape are grown on large coffee plants that reach 20-30 feet in height at medium altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both fruity and tart which has made them a preferred choice for blends in house. They have a lighter scent and a lower caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but they do have a distinct flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most sought-after kind of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't quite as easily accessible as Arabica or Robusta. In fact, they were considered a distinct coffee plant species until 2006 when they were reclassified to an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Currently, they're cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped as teardrops and possess a dark, eerie taste. They are frequently utilized to give blends extra body and a rich, tart taste of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are renowned for their a sweeter taste. They thrive in warm, tropical climates and at high altitudes. They can be a bit acidic. If brewed and roasted correctly they can be flavored like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second only to Arabica and accounts for around 40% of the world's coffee. Robusta is rounder and smaller, yet they contain more caffeine than Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have earthy and woody overtones.

After having a better understanding of the four most commonly used types of brew, it's time to select the best brew. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor, choose an arabica bean, or a blend consisting of arabica beans and robusta beans.