Ten Things You Need To Be Aware Of Coffee Beans Types

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

You've probably heard that different varieties produce distinct flavors. Learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica which is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter flavor profile, and are often used in blends of coffee to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica is the world's most popular coffee and accounts for 75% of all global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee are affected by the conditions in the conditions it is grown and the processing methods used.

The word 'coffee' actually derives 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 noticed that their goats were energized after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of coffee quickly was a global phenomenon.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and are able to thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the reasons that Arabica is considered to be the best tasting coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on the ethical source of arabica beans, with a focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make distinctive coffees that work well with many methods of brewing. Blending can control the taste, aroma and body of the coffee. It is usually used to create a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals to a broad market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean grown across the globe. They have a higher caffeine content per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. However,  Coffeee  may cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and could result in unpleasant flavors.

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

While it might seem contradictory it's true that Robusta beans are often blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag then it's likely that there's some robusta as well.

Although some roasters only use arabica beans, the majority of roasters use a mix of both varieties to lower cost and maintain quality. To preserve the flavor integrity you must select the best quality beans from a reliable source. This can be done by purchasing your beans directly from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped which distinguishes them from other types of coffee beans. They are characterized by a smell that is floral, fruity and smoky. They are paired with other types of coffee beans to give them a richer and more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They are tolerant of 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 home-growing. It is possible to purchase the seeds on the internet from several sources, however it's recommended to purchase locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils that have moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered to be a separate species but was re-classified as a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans are oval-shaped and are grown on large coffee plants that reach 20 to 30 feet in height at medium altitudes. Their unique taste is both sweet and tart, making them a popular choice for blends made at home. They have a lighter aroma and caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta however they possess a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most popular kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were regarded as a distinct coffee plant species until 2006 when they were changed to a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped as teardrops and have a dark, mysterious taste. They're typically used in blends to give extra body and a rich tart, ripe fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most popular, and are renowned for their the most delicious taste. They thrive at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They also have a touch of acidity. If brewed and roasted correctly they can be flavored like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee worldwide, and accounts for about 40% of the coffee consumed around the world. These beans are smaller and rounder however, they contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two varieties and have a woody, earthy taste.

After you've learned about the four most common types of coffee beans, it's time to choose the perfect cup. If you're looking for a smooth and delicate taste, go for an arabica or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.