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

If you're a lover of coffee you're likely aware that different beans produce varying flavor profiles. Find out about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, more tart flavor and are often utilized in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and less acidic than Robusta, and come in different flavour profiles. The taste and aroma components of a particular coffee can vary significantly based on the growing conditions and methods of processing employed to produce it.

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

Coffee beans can flourish at high altitudes and flourish with 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 concentrate on ethically sourced arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make unique coffees that work well with many different methods of brewing. Blending can be used to control the flavour, aroma and body of the coffee and is typically preferred to achieve an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most popular type of coffee bean around the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids that are antioxidants found naturally. However, these acids could cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and could result in unpleasant flavors.

The plant is more resilient than the arabica, and can grow in less favorable conditions. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant and grows faster than arabica. This makes it a cost effective crop to grow.

Although it may sound contradictory it's true that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you see the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag it's likely there's some robusta in there as well.

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans to cut costs and ensure the quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor you must select a high quality bean from a reliable source. This can be achieved by purchasing the beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped and are therefore distinct from other coffee bean varieties. They have a distinctive aroma that is floral and fruity with subtle smoky undertones. They are often blended with other coffee bean varieties to provide an extra, stronger flavor.

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

These qualities make them ideal for home cultivation. You can purchase seeds on the internet from several sources, but it is best to buy locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The best growing conditions for Liberica coffee plants are fertile, deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH as well as adequate annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different variety of coffee bean. It was initially classified as a separate species, but has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on large 20-30 foot coffee plants that are located at medium altitudes. They have a distinctive taste that is both tart and fruity, which has made them a preferred option in blends made by home. They are also lighter in aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta however they still have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most sought-after type of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite 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 to become a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Today, they're grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. The good coffee beans beans are shaped like teardrops and have a dark, mysterious taste. They're often used in blends to provide extra body and a luscious, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in warm, tropical climates and high altitudes. They are slightly acidic. When roasted and brewed properly they may be flavored with notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and makes up about 40% of the world's coffee. These beans are smaller and rounder, but have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two varieties and have an earthy and woody taste.

After you've learned about the four most commonly used types, it's now time to choose your favorite brew. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor, choose an arabica bean or a blend made up of robusta and arabica beans.