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

If you're a coffee enthusiast, you likely already know that different varieties of beans can produce different flavors. Find out about four of the most widely used varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a type Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter taste profile, and are often used in blends of coffee to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica is the most well-known coffee in the world accounting for 75% of the world's top rated coffee beans bean production. Arabica beans have a sweeter and less sour flavor than Robusta and come with a variety of flavor profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee are influenced by the conditions under which it is grown and the methods of processing used.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word that means berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were energized after eating berries. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly all over the world.

Coffee beans can grow at high altitudes and thrive with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons for why Arabica is considered to be the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on ethical sourcing of arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make distinctive coffees that are suitable for a wide range of methods of brewing. Blending can be used to control the flavour, aroma, body, and acidity of the coffee and is often preferred in order to achieve an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean cultivated worldwide. They have a higher caffeine content 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 can cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and could result in unpleasant flavors.

The plant itself is more durable than arabica, able thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cheaper crop to cultivate.

While it may seem counterintuitive Robusta beans are typically blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on a good coffee beans bag, it's possible that there's also some robusta.

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority use blend the two varieties to reduce costs and ensure the quality. To maintain the quality of the flavor, it is essential to choose a high-quality bean from a supplier you can trust. The best way to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped, which makes them distinct from other coffee bean varieties. They have a distinctive aroma that is floral and fruity with smoky undertones. They are often added to other bean varieties to provide the fuller, more robust flavor.

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

These characteristics make them ideal to grow at home. You can purchase seeds from numerous sources. However, it's best to bulk buy coffee beans the beans from local producers to ensure high-quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile, deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH as well as adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once considered a distinct species, but has been re-classified as an alternative to Liberica. These oval-shaped coffee beans are found on large coffee plants that reach 20-30 feet in height at medium altitudes. Their distinctive taste is sweet and tart, making them a popular option for blends in the home. They are also lighter on the aroma and caffeine compared to Arabica and Robusta however they still have a distinct taste.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most popular type of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. In fact, they were considered distinct species of wholesale coffee beans uk until 2006 when they were changed to a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Today, they're grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans are shaped as a teardrop and are dark and mysterious in taste. They are frequently used to give blends more body and a sweet tart flavor of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They thrive in warm, tropical climates as well as at higher altitudes. They also have a bit of acidity. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly they may impart notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second to Arabica and accounts for around 40% of the world's coffee. These beans are smaller and more round but they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties, and tend to have woody and earthy undertones.

After you've learned about the four most common types of coffee beans, it's time to choose the perfect Bulk coffee beans. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth and delicate taste, go for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.