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

If you're a fan of coffee you're probably aware that different types of beans have distinct flavor profiles. Learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, which are a variety of Liberica is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter flavor profile and are often used in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of the global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in flavor than Robusta and come in a variety of flavor profiles. The taste and aroma components of a coffee can vary in a wide range depending on the cultivation conditions and the processing methods used to make it.

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 discovered that their goats were invigorated by eating berries. The cultivation of coffee quickly spread all over the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, 12Oz and they are capable of thriving when exposed to cool temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the main reasons for why Arabica is considered to be the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on ethically sourced arabica beans, focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees that work well with many different brewing methods. Blending can control the taste, aroma, body and acidity of coffee. It is generally used to create a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean grown across the globe. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation during the coffee brewing and produce undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica and can be grown in less favorable climates. It can withstand warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows faster than arabica. This makes it a more 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 see names such as Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee it's possible there's also some robusta.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs and preserve quality. To maintain the integrity of the flavor, it's crucial to select a high-quality bean from a source you can trust. This can be accomplished by purchasing the beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped which distinguishes them from other types of coffee beans. They have a smell that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are often added to other Authentic Brazilian Santos Coffee bean varieties to create an extra, stronger flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They are tolerant of hot, 12oz humid climates and can grow at low altitudes. They also have a much better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them perfect for home cultivation. Online, you can purchase the seeds from various sources. However, it is best to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure the highest quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are 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 distinct species, but it has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans with an oval shape grow on large coffee plants that reach 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both fruity and tart that makes them a popular option in blends made by home. They have a less pronounced aroma and higher caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta but they still have a distinct flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most popular kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were regarded as an individual species of coffee plant until 2006 when they were classified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the global production of coffee. These coffee beans have the shape of teardrops and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They are typically used to give blends more body and a rich tart taste of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are renowned for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in warm, tropical climates as well as at higher altitudes. They have a little acidity. When roasted and brewed correctly they may impart notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is an extremely close second to Arabica and is responsible for about 40 percent of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, yet contain more caffeine than Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two types and have a woody, earthy taste.

After learning about the four most popular types of brew, it's time to select the best brew. If you're looking for a Smooth Decaf Espresso Beans - 1kg Bag mild flavor, go for an arabica or 12Oz a blend of arabica and robusta beans.