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

If you're a coffee bean shop enthusiast, you likely already know that different beans have distinct flavor profiles. Learn more about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and more tart flavor profile and are often added to coffee beans unroasted blends to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of the global production. Arabica beans have a sweeter and less sour flavor than Robusta. They are available with a variety of flavor profiles. The taste and aroma components of a particular coffee can vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and the processing methods used to produce it.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word meaning berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop within bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were stimulated by eating the fruits. The cultivation of coffee quickly spread around the world.

Coffee beans can thrive at high altitudes and flourish with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is considered to be the most delicious type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on the ethical source of arabica beans, focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that can be used in many different brewing techniques. Blending allows for control over the flavour, aroma and body as well as the acidity of the coffee. It is usually preferred to create an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

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

The plant is more robust than the arabica and may grow in less favorable environments. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and does well in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee bean coffee per plant than arabica, making it a cost-effective crop to grow.

Although it may sound contradictory the fact is that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on a organic coffee beans bag it's likely that there is also some robusta.

Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority use combine the two varieties in order to cut cost and maintain quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor you should select the highest rated coffee beans quality beans from a trusted source. The best way to do this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football that makes them different from other coffee beans. They are characterized by a smell that is floral, fruity and smokey. They are often added to other types of coffee beans to give them a more rounded and more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans types beans can be found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They can grow in low altitudes, and they can tolerate hot, humid climates. They also have a much better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal for home cultivation. On the internet, you can purchase the seeds from many sources. However, it is ideal to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure the highest quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee include fertile, deep volcano soils with moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different kind of coffee bean. It was previously classified as a separate species, but it has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These oval-shaped coffee beans are grown on large coffee plants that reach 20-30 feet in height at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is sweet and tart, making them a popular option for house blends. They have a lighter aroma and caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta but they still have a distinct flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta despite being the fourth most popular. They were actually regarded as distinct species of coffee until 2006, when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Nowadays, they're grown mostly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's coffee production. The coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape, and a dark, mysterious flavor. They are frequently used to give blends extra body and a rich, tart taste of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive in warm, tropical climates and high altitudes. They also have a bit of acidity. If brewed and roasted correctly, they can have notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee around the world. It is responsible for around 40% of all coffee consumed globally. Robusta beans are smaller and more round however they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two varieties and have a woody, earthy taste.

After having a better understanding of the four most popular types, it's now time to pick your favorite drink. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor, choose an arabica bean or a blend comprised of robusta and arabica beans.