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

If you're a fan of coffee you're likely to know that different varieties of beans produce varying flavor profiles. Find out about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and more tart flavor and are often used in blends of coffee Beans wholesale Suppliers to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee in the world with 75% of all global coffee bean production. Arabica beans have a sweeter and less sour flavor than Robusta and come with a variety of flavor profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee is affected by the conditions under which it is grown as well as the processing methods employed.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized by eating these fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee bean company spread quickly across the globe.

Coffee beans can thrive at high altitudes and thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the reasons for why Arabica is considered to be the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on ethically sourced arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create distinctive coffees that work well with various methods of brewing. Blending can control the aroma, flavor, body and acidity of coffee. It is often preferred to get an even and consistent taste that appeals to a broad market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They have more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. However, these acids may cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and could result in unpleasant flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica, able grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows faster than arabica. This makes it a efficient crop to grow.

While it may seem counterintuitive the fact is that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you see names like Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags it's possible that there's also some robusta.

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs while maintaining quality. To preserve the flavor integrity you must select the best quality beans from a reliable source. This can be accomplished by purchasing your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped which distinguishes them from other varieties of coffee beans. They have a smell that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are often added to other bean varieties to provide a fuller, more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They are resistant to hot, humid 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 numerous sources. However, it is best to buy the beans from local producers in order to ensure quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils with moderately acidic and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered a distinct species, but was later re-classified to be a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on 20 to 30-foot coffee plants at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both tart and fruity which has made them a popular selection in blends for house. They are also less pronounced in flavor and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta and Robusta, yet they have a distinctive quality of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular as Arabica and Robusta even though they are the fourth most popular. They were considered to be to be a different species of coffee up until 2006, when they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and have an intriguing dark flavor. These beans are often used to give blends extra body and a tangy taste of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in tropical and warm climates and high altitudes. They also have a little of acidity. If brewed correctly and roast they can be a bit sweet with hints of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved premium coffee beans around the world. It is responsible for 40% of all coffee consumed worldwide. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, but they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy and woody taste.

Once you've mastered the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans you can now choose the perfect coffee. If you want a smooth mild flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.