What's The Ugly Facts About Coffee Beans Types

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

If you're a fan of coffee you're likely aware that different types of beans produce varying flavor profiles. Find out more about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are one of the varieties of Liberica that is cultivated exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity, more tart flavor profile and are frequently used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of global production. Arabica beans have a sweeter and less sour flavor than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavour profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee can be affected by the conditions in which it is grown and the processing methods used.

The word 'coffee' actually comes from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are fruit seeds that grow in bright red berries.  coffee beans types  is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were stimulated by eating the fruits. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly all over the world.

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

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on ethically sourced arabica beans, with a focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that can be used in various brewing methods. Blending allows control over the aroma, taste and body of the coffee. It is often utilized to create an even and balanced taste that appeals a wide market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean grown in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acid, which are antioxidants that occur naturally. These acids can cause oxidation in the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica and is able to be grown in less favorable climates. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and does well in direct sun. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cost-effective crop to cultivate.

While it may seem counterintuitive Robusta beans are frequently blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you notice the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a bag of coffee then it's likely that there's some robusta as well.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to reduce costs and maintain quality. In order to preserve the quality of the flavor, it's essential to select a premium bean from a source that you are confident with. This can be achieved by purchasing your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football, which is what makes them distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have a smell that is floral, fruity and smoky. They are often added to other coffee bean types to give them a deeper and more robust taste.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. Online, you can buy the seeds from various sources. However, it is best to buy the beans from local producers to ensure the highest quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils that have moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally thought to be a separate species, but was re-classified as an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans with an oval shape are grown on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20-30 feet in height at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for blends made at home. They are also lighter in scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta however they still have a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most sought-after type of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't quite so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were considered to be an individual species of coffee plant until 2006 when they were classified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. These days, they're mostly grown in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's coffee production. These beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape, and an intriguing dark flavor. They're frequently used in blends to add extra body and a full tart, ripe fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive at high altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They also have a bit of acidity. If brewed and roasted correctly they may impart notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee in the world, and accounts for about 40% of all coffee consumed around the world. Robusta is rounder and smaller, yet they contain twice as much caffeine than Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two varieties and have an earthy, woody flavor.

After having learned about the four most popular varieties, it's now time to choose your favorite brew. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.