15 Of The Most Popular Coffee Beans Types Bloggers You Need To Follow

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

If you're a lover of coffee you're likely aware that different kinds of beans produce varying flavor profiles. Find out about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and more tart flavor profile and are often added to blends of beans to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of the world's production. Arabica beans have a sweeter and less sour flavor than Robusta and are available in a variety profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee is affected by the conditions in which it is grown and the processing methods used.

The word "coffee" actually originates from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats became energized after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of coffee quickly was a global phenomenon.

Coffee beans can flourish at high altitudes and flourish in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons that Arabica is regarded as the best tasting coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops focus on using ethically-sourced arabica beans by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees that can be used in many different brewing techniques. Blending allows control over the aroma, flavor and body, as well as the acidity of coffee. It is generally preferred to achieve a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most widely used type of coffee bean grown across the globe. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids can cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and can cause undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica, and can be grown in less favorable climates. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and does well in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a more economical crop to cultivate.

While it may seem counterintuitive Robusta beans are typically mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you see the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a bag of coffee, it's likely that there's a bit of robusta as well.

Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, most do combine both varieties to lower costs and maintain the quality. To preserve the integrity of the flavor, it is essential to select a top-quality bean from a source that you trust. The best method to achieve this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped, which makes them distinct from other coffee bean varieties. They have a distinctive aroma that is floral and fruity with smoky undertones. They are often added to other coffee bean varieties to create an extra, stronger flavor.

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

These qualities make them perfect for home-growing. You can find the seeds online from many sources, however it's best to buy from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The best growing conditions for Liberica coffee plants include fertile, deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH, and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once considered a separate species but was re-classified as an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on 20 to 30-foot coffee plants that are located at medium altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both fruity and tart that has made them a popular choice in house blends. They have a more subtle scent and a lower caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta however they have a unique depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most popular type of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually thought to be distinct species of coffee until 2006, when they were reclassified 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. These coffee beans are shaped in the shape of teardrops and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They're often used in blends to add extra body and a luscious tart, ripe fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are renowned for their a sweeter taste. They thrive best at high altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They can be a bit acidic. When roasted and brewed properly  coffee beans unroasted  can be a bit sweet with hints of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second only to Arabica and accounts for around 40 percent of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, yet they contain 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, it's now time to choose your favorite brew. If you want a smooth and delicate taste, go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.