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

If you're a coffee enthusiast you're likely to know that different kinds of beans produce varying flavor profiles. Learn more about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, tarter taste profile and are often used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most well-known coffee in the world, making up 75% of global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are sweeter and less acidic than Robusta. They also come in different flavors. The taste and aroma components of a cup of coffee can differ in a wide range depending on the cultivation conditions and methods of processing employed to make it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop within bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats were more energetic after eating the fruit, and the cultivation of coffee soon spread across the world.

Coffee beans can flourish at high altitudes and flourish with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons for why Arabica is regarded as the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops insist on the ethical source of their arabica beans by focusing on fair compensation for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make distinctive coffees that can be used in many different methods of brewing. Blending gives control over the aroma, flavor and body of the coffee. It is often preferred to achieve an even and balanced taste that appeals to a broad market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most popular type of coffee bean around the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids which are antioxidants that occur naturally. However, these acids can cause oxidation during the coffee brewing process and may result in undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica, and can be grown in less favorable climates. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective plant to grow.

While it may seem counterintuitive, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you notice the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag then it's likely that there's some robusta as well.

Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority use mix the two varieties in order to cut costs and preserve quality. To preserve the flavor integrity, you should choose a high quality bean from a trusted source. This can be done by purchasing your beans direct from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is similar to a football, which makes them different from other coffee beans. They have a distinct aroma that is floral and fruity with subtle smoky undertones. They are often added to other bean varieties to add an extra, stronger flavor.

Liberica coffee beans can be found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They are adaptable to humid, hot climates and can grow at low altitudes. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta.

These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. Online, you can purchase seeds from a variety of sources. However, it's best to buy the beans from local producers in order to guarantee quality. The ideal conditions to grow Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils with moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered a separate species but has been re-classified as a variation of Liberica. The coffee beans that are oval in shape are grown on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their distinctive taste is tart and sour, which makes them a popular choice for house blends. bulk buy coffee beans are also lighter in aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta and Robusta, yet they have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most sought-after kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. In fact, they were considered a distinct coffee plant species until 2006 when they were reclassified to a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Currently, they're cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and have an intriguing dark flavor. They're typically used in blends to give extra body and a full, tart, ripened fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are renowned for having a an apricot-like flavor. They thrive in tropical and warm climates as well as at higher altitudes. They also have a touch of acidity. If brewed correctly and roast they can be a bit sweet with hints of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most adored coffee worldwide, and is responsible for 40% of the coffee consumed globally. Robusta beans are smaller and more round 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 you've learned about the four most popular types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select the perfect coffee. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors, choose an arabica bean or a blend comprised of robusta and arabica beans.