25 Amazing Facts About Coffee Beans Types

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

You've probably heard that different varieties produce distinct flavors. Find out more about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a variety of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and more tart flavor profile and are frequently used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee worldwide, making up 75% of the global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta. They also are available in a variety of flavours. The flavor and aroma of coffee is affected by the conditions under which it is grown as well as 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. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized after eating the berries. The cultivation of coffee spread quickly around the world.

Coffee beans can thrive at high altitudes, and thrive in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons that Arabica is regarded as the best tasting coffee.

Many specialty unroasted coffee beans wholesale roasters and shops insist on the ethical source of their arabica beans and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees that are suitable for different brewing methods. Blending can be used to control the aroma, flavor as well as body and acidity of the coffee. It is often preferred in order to achieve a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most popular type of coffee bean around 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 could cause oxidation during the process of brewing coffee and may result in undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica, able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant and grows faster than arabica. This makes it a cost effective crop to grow.

Although it may sound contradictory however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you've seen the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya listed on a bag of coffee, it's likely that there's some Robusta in there as well.

While some roasters use exclusively arabica beans, the majority use combine the two varieties to cut cost and maintain the quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor you should select an excellent bean from a trusted source. This can be done by buying your beans directly from a farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped and are therefore distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have an aroma that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are often added to other types of coffee beans to give them a richer and more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans are found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They can grow in low altitudes and withstand hot, humid climates. They also have a much more resistant to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These characteristics make them ideal for home-growing. Online, you can buy the seeds from various sources. However, it's ideal to purchase the beans from local producers in order to guarantee quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils that have moderately acidic pH as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different type of coffee bean. It was originally classified as a distinct species, but has now been classified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on 20-30 foot coffee plants at moderate altitudes. They have a distinctive taste that is both tart and fruity that has made them a popular option in blends made by home. They are also lighter on the aroma and caffeine compared to Arabica and Robusta yet still have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular as Arabica and Robusta, despite being the fourth most popular. In fact, they were considered distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were reclassified to an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. The unroasted coffee beans beans are shaped like a teardrop and possess a dark, eerie 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 flavor. They thrive best at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They also have a hint of acidity. When roasted and brewed properly they may be flavored with notes of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee worldwide, and is responsible for around 40% of all coffee consumed in the world. Robusta beans are smaller and more round however they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy, woody taste.

After you've learned about the four most expensive coffee beans common types of coffee beans you can now choose your ideal coffee. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth mild flavor, go for an arabica or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.