Coffee Bean Types
There are 4 types of Coffee Beans globally. At Lloyds, we love our Arabica, Liberica, and Excelsa!
Arabica
One of the most popular and well-known types of coffee bean, Arabica beans are the most commonly produced variety and are considered higher quality beans. In fact, over 60% of the coffee beans in the world are of Arabica variety.
Arabica contains almost 60% more lipids and almost twice the amount of sugar. These play an important part in not only the flavor, but the aroma and body of the coffee. Arabica beans taste better because the increase in sugar gives the coffee a better taste, a cleaner mouthfeel, and a decrease in bitterness.
These beans are grown at high altitudes and need to be in an area that has a steady rainfall and plenty of shade.
The lower levels of caffeine in Arabica coffees make them more prone to insect damage and require a lot more care and maintenance. These factors result in higher green bean prices.
Robusta
Robusta is the second most produced in the world. The beans have a smooth texture and you may even find a slight chocolate hint to them. Robusta beans are ideal to have with milk and sugar, e.g. an iced coffee.
Generally speaking a Robusta will taste more bitter, woody and leathery, which scientists attribute to the levels of caffeine and chlorogenic acids.
This type of coffee bean grows best in a hot climate with irregular rainfall and can grow at a number of altitudes too. Compared to Arabica beans, those that grow on the Robusta plant have double the amount of caffeine in them, meaning that they are an excellent choice for a real boost and offer a harsher flavor.
Liberica
Liberica is one of the hardest coffee bean types which accounts for less than 2% of commercially-produced coffee worldwide. They produce larger, irregular-shaped cherries compared to Arabica plants. The coffee cherries may have a floral and fruity aroma. However when made into coffee, you may find a full-bodied, smoky, nutty, dark chocolate notes when roasted or brewed. It is also ideal for making espresso.
Compared to the Arabica coffee plant, the Liberica plant is hardier, as it is adaptable to hot climates, resistant to pests and disease, and can grow at low altitudes.
Liberica beans are difficult to get a hold of, due to the low number of coffee producers planting it. Majority of the Liberica beans can be found in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Excelsa
Excelsa accounts for around 7% of the world's coffee. It was re-named as a genus of Liberica because it grows on large 20-30 ft trees like Liberica at similar altitudes and has a similar almond-like shape.
The Excelsa bean is vastly different in taste when compared to the Liberica coffee bean.
You may find Excelsa to possess a tart and fruity body—which are flavors reminiscent of a light roast—that also somehow has dark, roasty notes.
Excelsa are largely used in blends in order to give the coffee an extra boost of flavor and complexity, better affecting the middle and back palate.
Most of these beans are found in the Southeast Asia - Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
