Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
You probably already know that different varieties can produce distinct flavors. Learn about four of the most widely used varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, more tart flavor and are often used in blends of beans to give them added depth.
Arabica
Arabica is the world's most popular coffee accounting for 75% of the global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in flavor than Robusta and come in a variety of flavor profiles. The taste and aroma components of a particular coffee can vary significantly based on the growing conditions and processing methods used to make it.
The word "coffee" derives from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats became energized after eating these berries, and the cultivation of coffee quickly was a global phenomenon.
Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and they are capable of flourishing when exposed to cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons why Arabica is considered to be the best tasting type of coffee.
Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on ethically sourced arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. coffee beans wholesale suppliers blend arabica beans in order to create unique coffees, which can be used in different brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the flavour, aroma and body as well as the acidity of the coffee. It is usually preferred to create an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.
Robusta
Robusta beans are the second most popular kind of coffee bean around the world. They contain more 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 could cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and may produce undesirable flavors.
The plant is more durable than the arabica, and can grow in less favorable conditions. It can withstand warmer temperatures and does well in direct sun. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective crop to grow.
Although it might appear counterintuitive it's true that Robusta beans are often blended with arabica to make coffee blends. If you've seen the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag it's likely there's some robusta in there as well.
The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs and ensure the quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor, you should choose the highest quality beans from a trusted source. The best way to do this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans are more or less football shaped that makes them different from other varieties of coffee beans. They have a distinctive scent that is fruity and floral with subtle smoky undertones. They are often added to other coffee beans to give the fuller, more robust flavor.
Liberica coffee beans can be found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They can be found at low altitudes, and they can tolerate humid, hot climates. They also have a much more resistant to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.
These qualities make them ideal to grow at home. Online, you can buy the seeds from various sources. However, it's best to buy the beans from local producers in order to guarantee quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils that have a pH that is moderately acidic and sufficient annual rainfall.
Excelsa is a different kind of coffee bean. It was initially classified as a separate species, but it has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on 20-30 foot coffee plants at medium altitudes. Their unique taste is both tart and sour, which makes them a popular choice for blends made at home. They have a more subtle aroma and caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but still have a distinct flavor.
Excelsa
Although they're the fourth-most popular kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually regarded as a different coffee plant species up until 2006, at which point they were classified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans are shaped like a teardrop and are dark and mysterious in taste. They are typically utilized to give blends extra body and a sweet tart flavor of ripe fruit.
Arabica beans are the most popular, and are renowned for having a more sweetness. They thrive at higher altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They can be a bit acidic. When roasted and brewed properly they may be flavored with notes of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.
Robusta is the second most sought-after coffee in the world, and accounts for about 40% of the coffee consumed worldwide. Robusta beans are smaller and more round however, they contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two types and have a woody, earthy taste.
After having a better understanding of the four most popular types you can now choose your favorite brew. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors opt for an arabica or a blend comprised of arabica beans and robusta beans.