Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
You’ve probably heard that different types of plants produce distinct flavors. Learn about four of the most widely used varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans, a type Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and more tart flavor profile and are frequently used in blends of coffee to add depth.
Arabica
Arabica is the most sought-after coffee in the world, making up 75% of all global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter taste than Robusta, and come in a variety profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee beans near me is affected by the conditions under which it is grown and the processing methods used.
The word ‘coffee’ actually derives from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are fruit seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats became energized after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of unroasted coffee beans wholesale soon spread across the world.
Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and thrive in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is thought to be the most delicious kind of coffee.
Many specialty coffee beans delivery shops and roasters concentrate on the ethical source of arabica beans, focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique specialty coffees, which are suitable for many different brewing techniques. Blending allows control over the aroma, taste and body of the coffee. It is generally preferred to achieve a consistent and balanced flavor that is appealing to a broad audience.
Robusta
Robusta beans are the second most coveted type of coffee bean in the world. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to pests and disease. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids may cause oxidation during the coffee brewing process and could result in unpleasant flavors.
The plant itself is more durable than arabica and is able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a cost-effective crop to cultivate.
While it may sound counterintuitive however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended together to create coffee blends. If you see the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee bag, it’s likely that there’s some Robusta in there as well.
Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority use blend the two varieties to reduce cost and maintain quality. In order to preserve the integrity of the flavor, it’s crucial to select a high-quality bean from a source that you are confident in. The best way to do this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans are more or less football shaped, which makes them distinct from other coffee bean varieties. They have a scent that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are paired with other coffee bean types to give them a more rounded and more robust taste.
Liberica coffee beans are available in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They are adaptable to humid, hot climates and can thrive at low altitudes. They also have a much more resistant to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.
These characteristics make them ideal for home cultivation. You can purchase seeds online from many sources, but it is recommended to purchase locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils, with moderately acidic and sufficient annual rainfall.
Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally considered a separate species but was later re-classified to be a variation of Liberica. The coffee beans that are oval in shape are found on large coffee beans types plants that range from 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their distinctive flavor is sweet and tart, making them a popular choice for house blends. They are also less heavy on the aroma and caffeine compared to Arabica and Robusta yet still have a distinctive taste.
Excelsa
Although they’re the fourth most coveted kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren’t as easily accessible as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were regarded as a separate coffee plant species 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% the world’s production of coffee. These coffee beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and carry an intriguing dark flavor. They’re typically used in blends to provide extra body and a full, tart, ripened fruit flavor.
Arabica beans are the most popular, and are well-known for their the most delicious taste. They thrive in warm, tropical climates and high altitudes. They also have a little of acidity. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly they may have notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.
Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and accounts for around 40% of the world’s luxury coffee beans. Robusta is rounder and smaller, but contain more caffeine than Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have woody and earthy undertones.
Once you’ve mastered the four most common types of coffee beans you can now choose your perfect brew. If you’re looking for a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.
