7 Little Changes That'll Make The Biggest Difference In Your Coffee Beans Types

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

You've probably heard that different varieties produce distinct flavors. Learn about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier, more tart flavor profile and are often used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee in the world, making up 75% of the global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are sweeter and less acidic than Robusta and come in different flavors. The taste and aroma components of a particular coffee can vary widely depending on the growing conditions and processing methods employed to produce it.

The word "coffee" actually originates 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 discovered that their goats were more energetic after eating the fruits, and the cultivation of coffee soon became widespread across the globe.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and flourish in cold temperatures and plenty of rain.  unroasted coffee beans  is the reason Arabica coffee is thought to be the most delicious type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters insist on using ethically-sourced arabica beans, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that are suitable for different brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the aroma, flavor, body and acidity of coffee. It is typically utilized to create an even and balanced taste that appeals to a broad market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most widely used type of coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They contain more 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. However, these acids could cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and may result in undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica and is able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective plant to cultivate.

Although it might sound odd however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended together to create coffee blends. If you see the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya on a bag of coffee it's likely there's some robusta as well.

Although some roasters only use arabica beans, the majority use a mix of the two varieties to cut costs and preserve quality. To maintain the integrity of the flavor, it's essential to select a premium bean from a source that you are confident in. This can be accomplished by purchasing your beans directly from a farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape like a football, which makes them different from other coffee beans. They have a distinctive aroma that is floral and fruity with the smoky notes. They are paired with other types of coffee beans to provide them with a more rich and more robust taste.

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 characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. On the internet, you can purchase seeds from numerous sources. However, it's ideal to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure high-quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants include fertile, deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different type of coffee bean. It was once classified as a separate species, but has now been classified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on large 20 to 30-foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for blends in the home. They are also less heavy on flavor and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still have an unusual quality of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta yet they're the fourth most popular. In fact they were regarded as an individual species of coffee plant until 2006 when they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the global production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped as teardrops and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They're typically used in blends to give extra body and a luscious tart, ripe fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most popular and are well-known for their the most delicious taste. They thrive in warm, tropical climates and at high altitudes. They also have a bit of acidity. If properly roasted and brewed, they can have notes of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most adored coffee in the world and is responsible for around 40% of all coffee consumed in the world. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder but 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 overtones.

Once you've mastered the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans, it's time to choose your perfect brew. If you're looking for a smooth mild flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.