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

If you're a fan of coffee, you likely already know that different types of beans can produce different flavors. Learn more about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter taste profile, and are often added to blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of the global production. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavours. The aroma and taste of a coffee may vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and methods of processing used to make it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout inside bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were invigorated by eating fruit berries. the coffee bean shop 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 one of the reasons why Arabica is considered to be the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique coffees, which can be used in various brewing methods. Blending gives you control over the aroma, flavor and body of the coffee and is often preferred in order to create an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most coveted kind of coffee bean in the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. However, these acids may cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and may result in undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more durable 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 produces more premium coffee beans per plant, and it grows faster than arabica. This makes it a more economical crop to cultivate.

Although it may sound contradictory however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended together to create coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags it's possible that there is also some robusta.

While some roasters use exclusively arabica beans, the majority use mix the two varieties to reduce costs and maintain the quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor it is recommended to select an excellent bean from a trusted source. This can be done by purchasing your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped that makes them different from other types of coffee beans delivery beans. They have a unique aroma that is floral and fruity with smokey undertones. They are often added to other types of coffee beans to give them a more rounded and more robust taste.

Liberica bulk buy coffee beans beans can be found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They can be found at low altitudes, and they can tolerate humid, hot climates. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta.

These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. You can find the seeds on the internet from a variety of sources, however it is recommended to purchase locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH, and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered a separate species but is now classified as an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that are cultivated on 20 to 30-foot coffee plants at medium altitudes. They have a distinctive taste that is both fruity and tart and has made them a sought-after option in blends made by home. They are also less heavy on the aroma and caffeine compared to Arabica and Robusta and Robusta, yet they have a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most popular kind of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't as easily accessible as Arabica or Robusta. They were considered to be distinct species of coffee up until 2006, at which point they were reclassified to be a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Today, they're grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's coffee production. These coffee beans are distinctive with a teardrop-shaped shape and possess an eerie, dark taste. They are often blended to add extra body and a delicious, tart, ripened fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive in tropical, warm environments and at high altitudes. They are slightly acidic. If properly brewed and roasted they can be flavored like 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 rounder and smaller, yet contain more caffeine than Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two varieties and have an earthy, woody flavor.

Now that you know the four most common types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select the perfect cup. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors opt for an arabica or a blend comprised of robusta beans and arabica beans.