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

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

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter flavor profile, and are often added to coffee blends to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of all global production. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety profiles. The taste and aroma components of a coffee may vary significantly based on the growing conditions and processing methods used to make it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word that means berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow within bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats became more energetic after eating the fruit, and the cultivation of coffee quickly spread across the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and thrive with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons for why Arabica is considered to be the best tasting coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on ethically sourced arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees, which can be used in a variety of brewing methods. Blending can be used to control the aroma, flavor, body, and acidity of the coffee and is often preferred in order to create an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second-most popular type of coffee bean in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acid, which are antioxidants that naturally occur. These acids can cause oxidation in the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica and is able to grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant and grows faster than arabica. This makes it a more efficient crop to grow.

Although it might appear counterintuitive Robusta beans are typically blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags, it's possible that there is also some robusta.

Although some roasters only use arabica beans, most do combine the two varieties to cut costs and ensure quality. To preserve the flavor integrity it is recommended to select an excellent bean from a trusted source. The best way to do this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped, which makes them distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have a scent that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are often added to other coffee bean varieties to add the fuller, more robust flavor.

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

These qualities make them perfect for home-growing. Online, you can purchase seeds from a variety of sources. However, it's best to buy the beans from local producers to guarantee good quality coffee beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile, deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is another type of coffee bean. It was initially classified as a separate species, but has since been classified as a Liberica variant. These oval-shaped coffee beans are found on large coffee plants that can reach 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both fruity and tart, which has made them a preferred selection in blends for house. They have a more subtle flavor and lower caffeine levels than Arabica or Robusta but still have a unique depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth-most popular type of coffee beans types beans Excelsa beans aren't as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were considered to be a distinct coffee plant species until 2006 when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Nowadays, they're grown mostly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's coffee production. These beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and have an eerie, dark taste. These beans are commonly used to give blends additional body and a sweet tart flavor of ripe fruit.

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

Robusta is the second most adored coffee worldwide, and accounts for about 40% of all coffee consumed around the world. Robusta beans are smaller and more round however they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties, and tend to have earthy and woody undertones.

Once you've mastered the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to choose the perfect coffee. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.