20 Myths About Coffee Beans Types: Dispelled

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

If you're a coffee enthusiast, you likely already know that different beans have different flavor profiles. Learn more 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 fruitier and tarter flavor profile, and are often added to blends of beans to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee worldwide accounting for 75% of the world's coffee beans produced. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta and are available in a variety profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee can be affected by the conditions under which it is grown and the methods of processing used.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word meaning berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were energized by eating fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly across the globe.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes and are capable of flourishing when exposed to cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is believed to be the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee beans near me shops and roasters insist on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make unique specialty coffee beans coffees that can be used in many different brewing methods. Blending can be used to control the aroma, flavor and body of the coffee. It is frequently preferred to achieve an even and consistent taste that appeals to a larger 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 disease and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids could cause oxidation during the process of brewing coffee and could result in unpleasant flavors.

The plant is more robust than the arabica and may grow in less favorable conditions. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows more quickly than arabica. This makes it a more economically viable crop to cultivate.

Although it might appear counterintuitive Robusta beans are frequently mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a bag of coffee beans for sale (related webpage) it's likely there's some robusta too.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and maintain the quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor it is recommended to select an excellent bean from a trusted source. The best way to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped that makes them different from other coffee bean varieties. They have a smell that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are often added to other coffee bean types to give them a more rounded 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. You can find the seeds online from many sources, however it is best to purchase them from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH and sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different kind of coffee beans to buy bean. It was originally classified as a separate species, but it has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are ovals that are grown on large 20 to 30-foot coffee plants at medium altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both fruity and tart, which makes them a popular choice in house blends. They are also less heavy on scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta, but still possess a unique depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular as Arabica and Robusta although they're fourth popular. In fact, they were considered distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped in the shape of a teardrop and possess a dark, mysterious taste. These beans are often used to give blends extra body and a tangy taste of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are the most popular, and are known for having the most delicious taste. They thrive in tropical and warm climates and at high altitudes. They also have a little of acidity. If properly brewed and roasted they can be flavored like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second to Arabica and makes up around 40 percent of the world's coffee beans unroasted. These beans are rounder and smaller, but contain more caffeine than Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have earthy and woody undertones.

After you've learned about the four most popular types of luxury coffee beans beans now is the time to pick your ideal coffee. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor, choose an arabica bean, or a blend consisting of robusta and arabica beans.