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

If you're a coffee enthusiast you're probably aware that different kinds of beans have different flavor profiles. Read on to learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter taste profile, and are often added to coffee blends to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the world's most popular coffee, making up 75% of the global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta. They also come in different flavors. The flavor and aroma of coffee are influenced by the conditions in which it is grown and the processing methods employed.

The word 'coffee' actually originates from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are fruit seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized by eating the fruits. The cultivation of coffee spread quickly all over the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and are capable of thriving when exposed to cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons why Arabica is regarded as the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters insist on using ethically-sourced arabica beans, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to make unique signature coffees that are suitable for various methods of brewing. Blending allows control over the taste, aroma and body of the coffee. It is usually used to create an even and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of organic coffee beans bean that is grown worldwide. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to pests and disease. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation during the brewing process of coffee and create undesirable flavors.

The plant is more robust than the arabica and may thrive in less favorable conditions. It can withstand warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant and grows more quickly than arabica. This makes it a more economical crop to cultivate.

Although it might sound odd however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you see names such as Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee, it's possible that there is also some robusta.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to cut costs and maintain quality. To preserve the integrity of the flavor, it's essential to select a premium bean from a supplier you are confident in. The best method 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 aroma that is fruity and floral with subtle smoky undertones. They are paired with other types of coffee beans to give them a richer and more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They can be grown at low altitudes and can withstand hot, humid climates. They also have a much more resistant to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal for home cultivation. You can purchase the seeds from many sources. However, it is best to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure the highest rated coffee beans quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile, deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally considered a separate species but was later re-classified to be an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that are cultivated on 20-30 foot unroasted coffee beans plants that are situated at medium altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both tart and fruity, which has made them a preferred choice for blends in house. They are also lighter in aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta however they still have a distinct quality of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most sought-after kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were considered to be a distinct coffee plant species until 2006 when they were changed to 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 wholesale coffee beans uk beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and carry a dark, mysterious flavor. They are typically utilized to give blends extra body and a tangy taste of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They grow best at high altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They also have a touch of acidity. If properly brewed and roasted they may impart notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second only to Arabica and is responsible for about 40 percent of the world's coffee. These beans are smaller and rounder however, they contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two varieties and have an earthy, woody flavor.

Now that you know the four most commonly used types of unroasted coffee beans wholesale beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select the perfect coffee. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor pick an arabica or a blend comprised of arabica beans and robusta beans.