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

If you're a fan of coffee you're likely aware that different kinds of beans can produce different flavors. Find out about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are one of the varieties of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter flavor profile, and are often added to blends of beans to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of all global production. Arabica beans have a sweeter and less sour flavor than Robusta and come in a variety of flavor profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee is affected by the conditions in which it is grown as well as the processing methods used.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were stimulated by eating fruits. The cultivation of coffee spread quickly across the globe.

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

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on sourcing their arabica beans ethically and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to make unique coffees that are suitable for many different methods of brewing. Blending is a way to control the aroma, flavor and body as well as the acidity of the coffee and is usually preferred to achieve an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean grown across the globe. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids which are antioxidants that naturally occur. These acids can cause oxidation during the coffee brewing and produce undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica, able to grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant, and it grows faster than arabica. This makes it a more economical crop to cultivate.

Although it might seem odd Robusta beans are frequently mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on the coffee shop bags it's possible there's also some robusta.

Although some roasters only use arabica beans, most do combine the two varieties to cut costs and ensure quality. In order to preserve the integrity of the flavor, types of coffee it's crucial to select a premium beans from a source you can trust. This can be accomplished by buying your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is similar to a football, that makes them different from other coffee beans. They have a unique aroma that is floral and fruity with the smoky notes. They are added to other types of coffee beans to give them a more rounded, more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They are tolerant of hot, humid climates and are able to grow at low altitudes. They also have a much better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. Online, you can purchase seeds from numerous sources. However, it is ideal to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure high-quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH, and sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different type of coffee bean. It was initially classified as a separate species, but has been classified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on large 20 to 30 feet coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is sweet and tart, making them a popular option for house blends. They have a more subtle aroma and caffeine levels than Arabica or Robusta however they possess a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta, yet they're the fourth most popular. They were actually regarded as distinct species of coffee up until 2006, when they were reclassified to be a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Nowadays, they're grown mostly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. The beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and have a dark, mysterious flavor. They're typically used in blends to provide extra body and a delicious tart, ripe fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive in tropical, warm climates and high altitudes. They also have a touch of acidity. If properly roasted and brewed they may have notes of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most sought-after coffee in the world, and is responsible for 40% of the coffee consumed globally. These beans are rounder and smaller, but they have more caffeine than Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have earthy and woody overtones.

Now that you've learned the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans and types of coffee the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select your ideal coffee. If you want a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.