15 Up-And-Coming Trends About Coffee Beans Types

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

You probably already know that different varieties can produce different flavors. Read on to learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter flavor, and are often added to blends of beans to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

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

The word "coffee beans fresh" originates from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop inside bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized by eating these berries. The cultivation of coffee quickly spread across the globe.

Coffee beans can thrive at high altitudes, and thrive in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is thought to be the best coffee beans to buy tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops are focused on the ethical source of their arabica beans and focusing on fair pay for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees that are suitable for many different brewing techniques. Blending gives you control over the flavour, aroma and body of the coffee and is typically preferred to create a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second-most popular kind of coffee bean in the world. They 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 antioxidants that occur naturally. However, these acids could cause oxidation during the process of brewing coffee and may result in undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica and is able to grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows more quickly than arabica. This makes it a cost effective crop to grow.

While it may seem counterintuitive it's true that Robusta beans are often mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee machine beans bag it's likely there's some Robusta in there too.

Although some roasters only use arabica beans but the majority do a mix of the two varieties in order to cut costs and maintain the quality. To preserve the quality of the flavor, it's crucial to select a top-quality bean from a source you are confident in. This can be achieved by purchasing your beans direct from a farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped which distinguishes them from other varieties of coffee beans. They have an aroma that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are often added to other coffee bean (Venusclinic noted) types to give them a richer, more robust taste.

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

These attributes make them ideal for growing at home. You can purchase seeds on the internet from several sources, but it's best to purchase them from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different kind of coffee bean. It was once classified as a separate species, but it has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. The coffee beans that are oval in shape grow on large fresh coffee beans plants that reach 20 to 30 feet in height at medium altitudes. Their distinctive taste is tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for blends in the home. They are also less heavy on the aroma and caffeine compared to Arabica and Robusta, but still have a distinctive taste.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular as Arabica and Robusta, despite being the fourth most popular. In fact they were regarded as an individual species of coffee plant until 2006 when they were changed to an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Today, they're grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's coffee production. The coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and have an eerie, dark taste. They're typically used in blends to add extra body and a full tart, ripe fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They thrive in tropical, warm climates and at high altitudes. They also have a bit of acidity. If properly roasted and brewed they may be flavored with notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second only to Arabica and makes up around 40 percent of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder however they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have earthy and woody undertones.

After having learned about the four most commonly used types of brew, it's time to choose your favorite brew. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth and delicate taste, go for an arabica or a blend of arabica and coffee bean robusta beans.