Undisputed Proof You Need Coffee Beans Types

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

If you're a coffee enthusiast you're probably aware that different varieties of beans have distinct flavor profiles. Find out about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a variety of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity, tarter taste profile and are frequently used in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of all global production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta. They also come in various flavour profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee are affected by the conditions in which it is grown as well as the processing methods employed.

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

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

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on ethical sourcing of arabica beans, with a focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to make unique signature coffees that are well-suited for many different brewing methods. Blending allows for control over the aroma, flavor and body of the coffee and is usually preferred to create a balanced and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most coveted kind of coffee bean in the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against diseases and pests. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are antioxidants naturally found in. However, these acids can cause oxidation during the coffee brewing process and could result in unpleasant flavors.

The plant is more robust than the arabica and may thrive in less favorable conditions. It can withstand warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective plant to cultivate.

While it may sound counterintuitive it's true that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you see names like Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee, it's possible that there's also some robusta.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and Unroasted Coffee beans beans in order to cut costs and maintain the quality coffee beans. To preserve the flavor integrity it is recommended to select an excellent bean from a reliable source. This can be achieved by purchasing the beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped and are therefore distinct from other coffee bean types. They are characterized by a smell that is floral, fruity and smokey. They are often added to other types of coffee beans to give them a deeper and more robust taste.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for home-growing. The seeds can be found on the internet from a variety of sources, however it's best to purchase them locally-owned producers to ensure the good quality coffee beans of the beans. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile, deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH, and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once thought to be a separate species, but is now classified as a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans are oval-shaped and grow on large coffee plants that range from 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 in house blends. They are also less heavy on aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta, but still have a distinctive taste.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most coveted type of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't as easily accessible as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were considered to be a distinct unroasted coffee beans plant species until 2006 when they were classified 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 coffee beans have the shape of teardrops and possess a dark, mysterious taste. These beans are commonly used to give blends more body and a rich, tart taste of ripe fruits.

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

Robusta is the second most popular coffee in the world and is responsible for around 40% of the coffee consumed globally. Robusta is rounder and smaller, but they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy, woody flavor.

Now that you know the four most common types of coffee beans now is the time to pick your ideal coffee. If you want a smooth soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.