Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
If you’re a coffee enthusiast, you likely already know that different types of beans have distinct flavor profiles. Find out more about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans, coffee machine Beans which are a variety of Liberica which is grown exclusively 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 well-known coffee in the world, making up 75% of global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavours. The taste and aroma components of a coffee may vary significantly based on the growing conditions and processing methods employed to produce it.
The word ‘coffee’ actually originates from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats became energy-rich after eating these fruits, and the cultivation of coffee quickly spread across the world.
Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and thrive with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons for why Arabica is regarded as the best coffee beans tasting type of coffee.
Many specialty coffee roasters and shops are focused on using ethically-sourced arabica beans by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make unique specialty coffees that are suitable for many different brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the aroma, taste and body of the Coffee Machine Beans. It is typically used to create a consistent and balanced taste that appeals a wide market.
Robusta
Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They contain 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 during the coffee brewing process and may result in undesirable flavors.
The plant itself is more durable than arabica, and can thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It is faster growing and produces more green coffee beans per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective plant to cultivate.
While it may seem counterintuitive, Robusta beans are often combined with arabica to create coffee blends. If you notice the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag and you can be sure that there’s a bit of robusta as well.
While some roasters use exclusively arabica beans, most do a mix of the two varieties to cut costs and ensure quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor you must select the highest quality beans from a trusted source. This can be achieved by purchasing your beans directly from the farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans have a shape like a football, which is what makes them distinct from other coffee beans. They have a distinct aroma that is fruity and floral with the smoky notes. They are often added to other coffee bean types to give them a richer and more robust flavor.
Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They can thrive in low altitudes and tolerate hot, humid climates. They also have a much better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.
These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. It is possible to purchase the seeds on the internet from a variety of sources, however it’s recommended to purchase from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The best coffee beans to buy 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 previously considered to be a separate species but is now classified as an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans with an oval shape are found on large coffee plants that can reach 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both tart and fruity that has made them a preferred option in blends made by home. They are also less heavy on the aroma and caffeine compared to Arabica and Robusta however they still possess a unique quality of flavor.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee beans aren’t as well-known as Arabica and Robusta even though they are the fourth most popular. They were considered to be to be a different species of coffee until 2006, when they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Currently, they’re cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world’s coffee beans uk production. These coffee beans are shaped like a teardrop and are dark and mysterious in taste. They are often blended to give extra body and a delicious tart, ripe fruit flavor.
Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive at higher altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They also have a touch of acidity. When roasted and brewed correctly they can be flavored like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.
Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and is responsible for about 40% of the world’s coffee. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder however they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two varieties and have a woody, earthy taste.
After you’ve learned about the four most popular varieties you can now select your favorite brew. If you want a smooth soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.