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

If you're a coffee enthusiast you're likely to know that different varieties of beans can produce different flavors. Learn more about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and more tart flavor profile and are often added to blends of beans to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the world's most popular coffee with 75% of the global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta, and are available in a variety of flavours. The aroma and taste of a speciality coffee beans may vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and processing techniques employed to make it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were stimulated after eating these berries, and the cultivation of coffee soon became widespread across the globe.

coffee beans types beans can be grown at high altitudes, and they are capable of flourishing in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons that Arabica is regarded as the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on the ethical sourcing of arabica beans, with a focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make unique signature coffees that can be used in a wide range of brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the aroma, flavor as well as body and acidity of the coffee and is frequently preferred to achieve a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

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

The plant itself is more robust than arabica, able to grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand warmer temperatures and does well in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant, and it grows faster than arabica. This makes it a cost effective crop to grow.

While it might seem contradictory, Robusta beans are often combined with arabica to create unroasted coffee beans blends. If you see names like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag, it's possible that there's also some robusta.

While some roasters use exclusively arabica beans, the majority of roasters use mix both varieties to lower costs and maintain the quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor, you should choose the highest quality beans from a reliable source. This can be done by buying your beans directly from a farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped that makes them different from other coffee bean varieties. They have a distinctive scent that is fruity and floral with smokey undertones. They are often added to other coffee bean varieties to add the fuller, more robust flavor.

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

These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. On the internet, you can purchase the seeds from various sources. However, it's recommended to purchase the beans from local producers in order to guarantee quality. The best growing conditions for Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils that have moderately acidic pH and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally considered a separate species but was re-classified as an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that are cultivated on 20-30-foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. They have a distinctive taste that is both tart and fruity which has made them a preferred choice for blends in house. They have a less pronounced flavor and lower caffeine content that is less than Arabica or Robusta but they do possess a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular as Arabica and Robusta although they're fourth popular. They were considered to be to be a different species of coffee up 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 percent of the world's production of coffee. These beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and have a dark, mysterious taste. They are typically used to give blends extra body and a sweet tart flavor of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They grow best at high altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They also have a hint of acidity. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly they can be flavored like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most sought-after coffee beans in bulk around the world. It accounts for about 40% of all coffee consumed globally. Robusta beans are smaller and more round however, they contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two types and have a woody, earthy taste.

After having a better understanding of the four most popular types, it's now time to select the best brew. If you prefer an elegant and delicate taste go for an arabica bean or a blend made up of arabica beans and robusta beans.