20 Myths About Coffee Beans Types: Busted

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

You've probably heard that different varieties can produce distinct flavors. Find out about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a variety of Liberica that is cultivated exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity, more tart flavor and are often utilized in blends of beans to give them added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the world's most popular coffee with 75% of the global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are milder and have a sweeter flavor than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavor profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee can vary in a wide range depending on the cultivation conditions and the processing methods used to make it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word meaning berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats became energy-rich after eating these berries, and the cultivation of coffee soon began to spread throughout the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is thought to be the best tasting kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops insist on the ethical source of their arabica beans and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make distinctive coffees that work well with a wide range of methods of brewing. Blending is a way to control the flavour, aroma and body as well as the acidity of the coffee. It is usually preferred to achieve an even and consistent taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second-most popular kind of coffee bean in the world. coffee beans delivery have a higher amount of caffeine 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. These acids can cause oxidation in the brewing process of coffee and create undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica and may grow in less favorable conditions. It can tolerate higher temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a cheaper crop to cultivate.

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

Most roasters employ a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs and ensure quality. To preserve the flavor integrity you should select the highest quality beans from a reliable source. The best method to achieve this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped that makes them different from other coffee bean types. They have a distinctive scent that is fruity and floral with smoky undertones. They are paired with other types of coffee beans to provide them with a more rich and more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They are adaptable to humid, hot conditions and can be grown at low altitudes. They also have a better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. You can purchase seeds online from a number of sources, but it's recommended to purchase from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils, with a 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 re-classified as a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans with an oval shape are found on large coffee plants that reach 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both fruity and tart which makes them a popular choice in house blends. They have a less pronounced flavor and lower caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but still possess a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular as Arabica and Robusta even though they are the fourth most popular. In fact, they were considered distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Today, they're grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's coffee production. These coffee beans are shaped like a teardrop and possess a dark, eerie taste. These beans are commonly used to give blends additional body and a sweet tart flavor of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are known for having an apricot-like flavor. They grow best at high altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They are slightly acidic. If brewed and roasted correctly, they can have notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most adored coffee around the world. It makes up around 40% of all coffee consumed around the world. Robusta beans are smaller and more round however, they contain 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 having learned about the four most commonly used types, it's now time to pick your favorite drink. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor pick an arabica or a blend comprised of arabica beans and robusta beans.