20 Myths About Coffee Beans Types: Dispelled

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

If you're a coffee enthusiast, you likely already know that different varieties of beans have different flavor profiles. Learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, more tart flavor and are often utilized in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of the world's production. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta. They are available with a variety of flavor profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee can vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and processing techniques employed to make it.

The word "coffee" actually derives from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are fruit seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were stimulated by eating these fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee spread quickly all over the world.

Coffee beans can thrive at high altitudes and flourish in 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 concentrate on the ethical source of arabica beans, focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create distinctive coffees that work well with many methods of brewing. Blending gives you control over the aroma, flavor, body, and acidity of the coffee. It is typically preferred to create an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most widely used type of coffee bean grown in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more protected against diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. However, these acids may cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and may produce undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica, and can grow in less favorable environments. It can withstand warmer temperatures and does well in direct sun. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective plant to grow.

Although it might appear counterintuitive Robusta beans are frequently blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag, it's possible that there is also some robusta.

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority use combine the two varieties to reduce costs and ensure the quality. To preserve  bulk coffee beans  of flavor you should select an excellent bean 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 why they are different from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinctive aroma that is fruity and floral with subtle smoky undertones. They are added to other types of coffee beans to give them a richer, more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans are found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They can thrive in low altitudes, and they can tolerate hot, humid climates. They are also more resistant to diseases than Arabica or Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. You can purchase seeds online from many sources, however it is best to purchase them locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The best growing conditions for Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH, and adequate annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different variety of coffee bean. It was once classified as a separate species, but has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are oval-shaped and are grown on large coffee plants that can reach 20-30 feet in height at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is tart and sour, which makes them a popular choice for blends made at home. They are also less heavy on flavor and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta and Robusta, yet they have an unusual richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular as Arabica and Robusta, even though they are the fourth most popular. In fact, they were considered a distinct coffee plant species until 2006 when they were changed to a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Nowadays, they're grown mostly in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. These beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape, and an eerie, dark taste. They are typically used to give blends extra body and a tangy taste of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive at higher altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They also have a bit of acidity. If brewed correctly and roast they may be flavored with notes of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and accounts for around 40 percent of the world's beans. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, yet contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two types and have an earthy, woody taste.

After you've learned about the four most common types you can now pick your favorite drink. If you want a smooth mild flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.