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

If you're a coffee lover you're probably aware that different varieties of beans have different flavor profiles. Read on to learn about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is only grown 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 are responsible for 75% of the global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and less acidic than Robusta, and they come in various flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of a particular coffee can vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and processing techniques used to make it.

The word 'coffee gift' actually comes 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 found that their goats were stimulated by eating the fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee quickly spread around the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes and are capable of thriving in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the main reasons why Arabica is regarded as the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on ethical sourcing of arabica beans, with a focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that are well-suited for many different brewing methods. Blending gives you control over the flavour, aroma as well as body and acidity of the coffee. It is often preferred in order to create an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most coveted kind of coffee bean in the world. They have more caffeine per bean and coffee shops are more resistant against diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation during the coffee brewing and produce undesirable flavors.

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

While it may seem counterintuitive, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag, it's likely that there's some robusta in there too.

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority use blend both varieties to lower costs and coffee shops preserve the quality. To preserve the flavor integrity you should select a high quality bean from a trusted source. This can be accomplished by purchasing your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football which is what makes them distinct from other coffee beans. They have a scent that is floral, fruity and smokey. They are often added to other bean varieties to add a more intense, fuller flavor.

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

These characteristics make them ideal to grow at home. The seeds can be found online from many sources, but it is preferred to purchase them from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions to grow Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different variety of coffee bean. It was initially classified as a separate species, but has been reclassified as a Liberica variant. The coffee beans that are oval in shape grow on large coffee plants that reach 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their distinctive taste is tart and sour, making them a popular choice for blends in the home. They have a more subtle flavor and lower caffeine content that is less than Arabica or Robusta but still possess a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as widely used as Arabica and Robusta despite being the fourth most popular. In fact they were regarded as an individual species of coffee plant until 2006 when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. These days, they're mostly grown in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. These beans have a distinctive teardrop-shaped shape and possess a dark, mysterious flavor. They are typically used to give blends more body and a rich, tart taste of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are the most popular and are renowned for having a an apricot-like flavor. They thrive best at high altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They also have a touch of acidity. When properly roasted and brewed they can be a bit sweet with hints of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

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

After learning about the four most popular types, it's now time to pick your favorite drink. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors opt for an arabica or a blend comprised of robusta and arabica beans.