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

You probably already know that different types of plants produce different flavors. Read on to learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

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

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of all global production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavours. The flavor and aroma of coffee beans shop are affected by the conditions under which it is grown and the processing methods employed.

The word "coffee" derives from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were stimulated after eating these berries, and the cultivation of coffee soon was a global phenomenon.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and thrive in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons that Arabica is regarded as the best tasting coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops focus on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make unique specialty coffees that are well-suited for a wide range of brewing methods. Blending gives control over the aroma, flavor and body, as well as the acidity of coffee. It is typically preferred to get a consistent and balanced flavor that is appealing to a broad audience.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean grown in the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. However, these acids can cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and could result in unpleasant 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 efficient crop to grow.

Although it might sound odd, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags, it's possible that there's also some robusta.

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority use combine both varieties to lower cost and maintain quality. In order to preserve the integrity of the flavor, it is essential to select a premium bean from a source you are confident with. The best way to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped that makes them different from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinctive aroma that is floral and fruity with the smoky notes. They are often paired with other coffee beans to give the fuller, more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They are resistant to hot, humid conditions and can be grown at low altitudes. They also have a better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.

These attributes make them ideal to grow at home. Online, you can buy seeds from a variety of sources. However, it is best to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure the highest quality. The best growing conditions for Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils with a moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered a separate species but was re-classified as an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans with an oval shape are grown on large coffee beans bulk plants that can reach 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their distinctive taste is sweet and tart, making them a popular choice for blends in the home. They have a more subtle aroma and higher caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta but they do have a unique depth of 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. They were actually thought to be a different coffee plant species until 2006 when they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and carry a dark, mysterious taste. They are often blended to provide extra body and a luscious tart, ripe fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are known for having a sweeter taste. They thrive in tropical, warm climates and at high altitudes. They also have a bit of acidity. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly they may have notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is an extremely close second to Arabica and accounts for around 40 percent of the world's beans. Robusta is rounder and smaller, yet they contain twice as much caffeine than Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two types and have an earthy, woody taste.

After you've learned about the four most commonly used types and their characteristics, it's time to select your favorite brew. If you're looking for a silky soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.