Coffee Bean types of coffeee: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Types of Coffee Excelsa

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

Excelsa beans are one of the varieties of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter flavor profile, and are often added to blends of beans to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee in the world with 75% of the global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in taste than Robusta, and come in a variety of flavour profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee are influenced by the conditions in the conditions it is grown and the processing methods employed.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop in bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were invigorated by eating these fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee grew rapidly across the globe.

Coffee beans can grow at high altitudes, and thrive in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons for why Arabica is considered to be the best-tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee gift set shops and roasters concentrate on the ethical source of arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that can be used in many different brewing techniques. Blending is a way to control 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 larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most sought-after type of coffee bean in the world. They have a higher caffeine content per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acid, which are antioxidants that occur naturally. These acids can cause oxidation during the brewing process of coffee and create undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica, able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and thrives in direct sun. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective crop to cultivate.

Although it might sound odd however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags it's possible there's also some robusta.

Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority of roasters use mix the two varieties in order to cut costs and maintain quality. To preserve the quality of the flavor, it's important to select a top-quality bean from a source you are confident with. This can be done by purchasing the beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is like a football, that makes them different from other types of coffee beans. They have a unique aroma that is floral and fruity with smoky undertones. They are often added to other bean varieties to create an extra, stronger flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They are resistant to hot, humid climates and are able to grow at low altitudes. They also have a better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal to grow at home. Online, you can purchase the seeds from various sources. However, it's best to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different kind of coffee bean. It was once classified as a distinct species, but it has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that are cultivated on 20 to 30 feet coffee plants at medium altitudes. Their distinctive flavor is sweet and tart, making them a popular choice for house blends. They have a more subtle scent and a lower caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but they still have a unique 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, types of coffee they were considered an individual species of coffee plant 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 percent of the world's coffee production. These coffee beans are shaped like a teardrop and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They are frequently used to give blends extra body and a rich, tart taste of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are the most popular and are well-known for their the most delicious taste. They thrive in tropical, warm climates as well as at higher altitudes. They have a slight acidity. If brewed correctly and roast they can be a bit sweet with hints of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and makes up about 40 percent of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, yet contain twice as much caffeine than Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two varieties and have a woody, earthy taste.

Now that you've learned the four most common types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select your perfect brew. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors opt for an arabica or a blend made up of robusta and arabica beans.