Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
You've probably heard that different types of plants produce different flavors. Learn about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans, which are a variety of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter flavor profile and are frequently used in blends of beans to give them added depth.
Arabica
Arabica is the most sought-after
coffee beans for sale worldwide and accounts for 75% of all global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta and come with a variety of flavor profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee can vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and processing methods employed to make it.
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 noticed that their goats became more energetic after eating the fruit, and the cultivation of coffee quickly became widespread across the globe.
Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and they are capable of thriving when exposed to cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the reasons why Arabica is regarded as the best tasting type of coffee.
Many
specialty coffee beans coffee shops and roasters focus on the ethical source of arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees, which are suitable for a variety of brewing methods. Blending can control the aroma, taste and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is often preferred to get a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market.
Robusta
Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most widely used type of coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They contain more 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 coffee brewing and produce undesirable flavors.
The plant is more resilient than the arabica and is able to be grown in less favorable climates. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective plant to cultivate.
Although it may sound contradictory the fact is that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to make
coffee beans bulk blends. If you see names like Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee, it's possible that there is also some robusta.
While some roasters use exclusively arabica beans but the majority do a mix of the two varieties to reduce costs and preserve the quality. To ensure the quality of the flavor, it is essential to select a high-quality bean from a source you are confident with. This can be achieved by purchasing your beans direct from farmers.
Liberica
Liberica beans are more or less football shaped, which makes them distinct from other
types of coffee beans. They have a distinct aroma that is floral and fruity with the smoky notes. They are added to 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 well as in Southeast Asia. They can grow in low altitudes and withstand hot, humid climates. They also have a better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.
These qualities make them perfect for home-growing. Online, you can buy the seeds from various sources. However, it's best to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure the highest quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile, deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH and sufficient annual rainfall.
Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once considered a separate species but was re-classified as a variation of Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on 20-30-foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. They have a distinctive taste that is both tart and fruity, which has made them a preferred option in blends made by home. They have a less pronounced scent and a lower caffeine levels than Arabica or Robusta but still have a distinct flavor.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta even though they are the fourth most popular. They were actually considered distinct species of coffee up until 2006, at which point they were reclassified to become a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Currently, they're cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's production of
coffee beans in bulk. The
coffee beans wholesale suppliers beans are distinctive with a teardrop-shaped shape and possess a dark, mysterious flavor. They're often used in blends to add extra body and a full tart, ripe fruit flavor.
Arabica beans are the most well-known and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive best at high altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They also have a bit of acidity. If properly brewed and roasted they can be flavored like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.
Robusta is an extremely close second to Arabica and is responsible for about 40 percent of the world's beans. Robusta beans are smaller and more round however they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two types and have an earthy and woody taste.
Now that you've learned the four most popular types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select your perfect brew. If you prefer an elegant and delicate taste go for an arabica bean, or a blend consisting of robusta beans and arabica beans.
