cheap coffee beans Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa

If you’re a fan of coffee you’re likely aware that different varieties of beans have different flavor profiles. Learn about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

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

Arabica

Arabica is the world’s most popular coffee, making up 75% of the global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta, and come in various flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of a particular coffee can vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and processing methods used to produce it.

The word “coffee” originates from the Arabic word that means berry. top 10 coffee beans beans are actually seeds which grow within bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were energized after eating the fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee spread quickly across the globe.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and they are capable of thriving when exposed to cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is thought to be the most delicious type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner by focusing on fair wages for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that work well with many brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the aroma, taste and body, as well as the acidity of coffee. It is typically utilized to create a consistent and balanced taste that is appealing to a broad audience.

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 pests and disease. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. However, these acids could cause oxidation during the process of brewing organic coffee beans and may produce undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica, and can thrive in less favorable conditions. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and does well in direct sun. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a cheaper crop to grow.

While it may seem counterintuitive Robusta beans are frequently mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you’ve noticed the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag then it’s likely that there’s some robusta in there as well.

Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority use blend the two varieties in order to cut costs and maintain quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor, you should choose the highest quality beans from a reliable source. This can be accomplished by purchasing your beans directly from a farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football which is what makes them distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have an aroma that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are often paired with other coffee bean varieties to provide an extra, stronger flavor.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. You can find the seeds on the internet from several sources, but it’s recommended to purchase locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH, and sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is another type of coffee bean. It was initially classified as a separate species, but it has since been classified as a Liberica variant. These oval-shaped coffee beans grow on large coffee plants that reach 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their unique flavor is tart and sour, making them a popular option for house blends. They have a less pronounced aroma and higher caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta but they do have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa Unroasted Coffee Beans beans aren’t as well-known as Arabica and Robusta yet they’re the fourth most popular. They were considered to be a different coffee plant species up until 2006, at which point they were reclassified to become a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Currently, they’re cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world’s production of coffee. The beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape, and an eerie, dark taste. They’re typically used in blends to add extra body and a full, tart, ripened fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in tropical and warm climates as well as at higher altitudes. They also have a touch of acidity. If brewed and roasted correctly they may have notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee worldwide, and is responsible for 40% of all coffee consumed around the world. Robusta beans are smaller and more round however they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two types and have an earthy, woody flavor.

After you’ve learned about the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it’s time to select the perfect coffee. If you’re looking for a smooth mild flavor, go for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.