Why No One Cares About Coffee Beans Types

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

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

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is cultivated exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier, tarter taste profile and are frequently used in blends of expensive coffee beans for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of the global production. Arabica beans have a sweeter and less sour flavor than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavor profiles. The taste and aroma components of a particular coffee can vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and processing methods employed to make it.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout inside bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were invigorated by eating fruits. The cultivation of coffee bean suppliers quickly spread across the globe.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and are in a position to thrive when exposed to cool temperatures and plenty of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is considered to be the best tasting kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops focus on sourcing their arabica beans ethically, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees, which can be used in many different brewing techniques. Blending gives you control over the aroma, flavor and body as well as the acidity of the coffee. It is often preferred in order to create a balanced and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second-most popular kind of coffee bean in the world. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. However, these acids may cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and may result in undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more durable than arabica, able thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand warmer temperatures and does well in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows faster than arabica. This makes it a more economically viable crop to cultivate.

While it may seem counterintuitive however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended together to create coffee blends. If you notice the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee bag it's likely there's some robusta as well.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to reduce costs and maintain quality. To preserve the flavor integrity it is recommended to select a high quality bean from a trusted source. This can be achieved by purchasing the beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is like a football, which makes them different from other coffee beans. They have an aroma that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are paired with other coffee bean types to give them a more rounded and more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They are well-adapted 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 ideal for growing at home. Online, you can purchase the seeds from various sources. However, it is best to buy the beans from local producers in order to guarantee quality. The best growing conditions for Liberica coffee plants include fertile, deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH, and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally considered a distinct species, but has been re-classified as a variant of Liberica. These highest Rated coffee Beans beans are ovals that grow on large 20 to 30 feet coffee plants at moderate altitudes. They have a distinctive taste that is both tart and fruity which has made them a sought-after choice in house blends. They are also lighter in aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still have an unusual taste.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most sought-after type of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually considered to be a different species of coffee until 2006, when they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans to buy beans are shaped in the shape of a teardrop and possess a dark, eerie taste. They are typically used to give blends extra body and a rich tart taste of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They thrive in warm, tropical climates and at high altitudes. They have a little acidity. If properly roasted and brewed they can be a bit sweet with hints of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.

Robusta is an extremely close second to Arabica and accounts for around 40% of the world's coffee. These beans are rounder and smaller, yet contain more caffeine than Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have earthy and woody undertones.

After having learned about the four most commonly used types you can now select your favorite brew. If you're looking for a silky mild flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.