10 Quick Tips About Coffee Beans Types

coffee bean company : Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa

If you're a lover of coffee you're likely aware that different varieties of beans can produce different flavors. Learn more about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, which are a variety of Liberica is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, more tart flavor profile and are often utilized in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of the global production. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta. They are available with a variety of flavor profiles. The taste and aroma components of a cup of coffee can differ widely depending on the growing conditions and methods of processing used to make it.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized after eating these berries, and the cultivation of coffee quickly spread across the world.

Coffee beans can grow at high altitudes and thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is thought to be the most delicious type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters insist on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that are suitable for various brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the aroma, flavor and body as well as the acidity of the coffee. It is frequently preferred to achieve an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most sought-after type of coffee bean around the world. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids can cause oxidation during the coffee brewing process and may result in undesirable flavors.

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

While it may seem counterintuitive Robusta beans are frequently mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you see the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya on a bag of coffee then it's likely that there's some Robusta in there too.

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and preserve quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor you should select the highest quality beans from a reliable source. The best method to achieve this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is like a football, which makes them different from other coffee beans. They are characterized by a smell that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are often added to other beans to give the fuller, more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are available in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They are tolerant of hot, humid climates and can grow 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 a variety of sources. However, it's best to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure high-quality. The ideal conditions to grow Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils, with a pH that is moderately acidic and adequate annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once considered a distinct species, but was re-classified as a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on 20-30-foot coffee plants at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both tart and fruity that has made them a sought-after choice in house blends. They are also less pronounced in scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta however they still have a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most popular kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually considered an entirely different species of coffee until 2006 when they were reclassified to be a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. These days, they're mostly grown in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's coffee production. The coffee beans are shaped as a teardrop and have a dark, mysterious taste. They're often used in blends to provide extra body and a full tart, ripe fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive at high altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They are slightly acidic. If brewed and roasted correctly they can be flavored like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee around the world. It accounts for about 40% of the coffee consumed in the world. Robusta beans are smaller and more round however they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have woody and earthy undertones.

Now that you've learned the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select the perfect cup. If you prefer an elegant and delicate taste pick an arabica, or a blend consisting of robusta and arabica beans.