10 Things You Learned In Preschool That Will Help You With Coffee Beans Types

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

If you're a lover of coffee, you likely already know that different kinds of beans have distinct flavor profiles. Find out 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 more fruity, tarter flavor profile and are often used in blends of beans to give them added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee in the world and accounts 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 of flavor profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee may vary significantly based on the growing conditions and the processing methods employed to produce it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats became energy-rich after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of coffee quickly became widespread across the globe.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and flourish in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons that Arabica is regarded as the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters insist on the ethical source of their arabica beans by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that work well with many different methods of brewing. Blending can control the aroma, taste and body of the coffee. It is often used to create an even and balanced taste that appeals to a broad market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are antioxidants naturally found in. However, these acids may cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and may result in undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more durable than arabica, able grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and does well in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant, and it grows faster than arabica. This makes it a economically viable crop to cultivate.

Although it might seem odd it's true that Robusta beans are often mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you see names such as Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags it's possible there is also some robusta.

Most roasters employ a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to cut costs and maintain the quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor, you should choose an excellent bean from a trusted source. This can be achieved by purchasing your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped which distinguishes them from other coffee bean types. They have an aroma that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are often blended with other coffee bean varieties to create the fuller, more robust flavor.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. The seeds can be found online from a number of sources, but it is best to purchase them locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils that have moderately acidic pH, and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally considered to be a separate species but was later re-classified to be a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on large 20-30 foot coffee plants that are located at medium altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both fruity and tart which makes them a popular selection in blends for house. They have a milder flavor and lower caffeine levels than Arabica or Robusta but they do possess a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most coveted type of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't quite as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. They were considered to be a different coffee plant species until 2006 when they were reclassified to become a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Currently, they're cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. These beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and carry an eerie, dark taste. They are often blended to add extra body and a luscious, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter flavor. They grow best at high altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They also have a little of acidity. If brewed and roasted correctly they can be flavored like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and is responsible for about 40 percent of the world's beans. coffeebeans are more round and smaller, but contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have earthy and woody overtones.

After learning about the four most commonly used types and their characteristics, it's time to select the best brew. If you're looking for a smooth mild flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.