The Most Pervasive Problems With Coffee Beans Types

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

You probably already know that different varieties produce distinct flavors. Find out more about four of the most well-known 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 used in blends of beans to give them added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee worldwide with 75% of the world's coffee bean production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta, and Costa Coffee Bean are available in a variety of flavours. The aroma and taste of a cup of coffee can differ significantly based on the growing conditions and costa Coffee bean methods of processing used to make it.

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 the ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats were more energetic after eating the berries, and the cultivation of coffee quickly spread across the world.

Costa coffee bean beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and are capable of flourishing when exposed to cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons why Arabica is considered to be the best tasting coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on using ethically-sourced arabica beans by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique coffees, which can be used in a variety of brewing methods. Blending gives you control over the aroma, flavor, body, and acidity of the coffee and is typically preferred to achieve a balanced and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They have more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acid, which coffee beans are the best are antioxidants naturally found in. However, these acids can cause oxidation during the coffee brewing process and could result in unpleasant flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica, and can grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate higher temperatures and does well in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant and grows faster than arabica. This makes it a more cost effective crop to grow.

Although it might seem odd it's true that Robusta beans are often mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you notice the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee bag it's likely there's some robusta as well.

Although some roasters only use arabica beans but the majority do a mix of both varieties to lower cost and maintain quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor it is recommended to select a high quality bean from a trusted source. This can be done by buying your beans directly from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped which distinguishes them from other varieties of coffee beans. They have a smell that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are often added to other bean varieties to create a more intense, fuller flavor.

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

These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. Online, you can purchase the seeds from various sources. However, it's ideal to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure the highest quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic, and enough annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different kind of coffee bean. It was once classified as a distinct species, but has been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These illy coffee beans beans are oval-shaped and are grown on large coffee plants that range from 20 to 30 feet in height at medium altitudes. They have a distinctive taste that is both tart and fruity and makes them a popular choice for blends in house. They are also less pronounced in scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still have a distinct richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans wholesale suppliers beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta, even though they are the fourth most popular. They were considered to be a different coffee plant species until 2006, when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped in the shape of a teardrop and possess a dark, eerie taste. They're often used in blends to add extra body and a rich, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive at high altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They have a little acidity. If brewed correctly and roast they may have notes of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to arabica coffee beans and accounts for around 40 percent of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder but they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two varieties and have an earthy, woody flavor.

Now that you've learned the four most popular types of coffee beans you can now choose the perfect cup. If you want a smooth soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.