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

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

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

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of global production. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta. They also are available in a variety of flavours. The taste and aroma components of a coffee may vary widely depending on the growing conditions and processing techniques used to produce it.

The word 'coffee' actually originates from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were energized by eating fruits. The cultivation of coffee quickly spread across the globe.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and are capable of flourishing when exposed to cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is believed to be the most delicious kind of coffee beans illy.

Many specialty speciality coffee Beans shops and Speciality coffee Beans roasters focus on the ethical sourcing of arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique signature coffees that can be used in a variety of brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the aroma, flavor and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is typically preferred to get a consistent and balanced taste that appeals a wide market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation in the coffee brewing and produce undesirable flavors.

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

Although it might seem odd it's true that Robusta beans are often blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you see the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya listed on a bag of coffee, it's likely that there's some Robusta in there as well.

While some roasters use exclusively arabica beans, the majority of roasters use a mix of both varieties to lower costs and maintain quality. To preserve the flavor integrity it is recommended to select the highest quality beans from a trusted source. The best way to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is like a football, which is what makes them distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinctive scent that is floral and fruity with smokey undertones. They are paired with other coffee bean types to provide them with a more rich, more robust taste.

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

These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. The seeds can be found on the internet from a variety of sources, however it's recommended to purchase from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions to grow Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils, with moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once thought to be a separate species, but is now classified as a subspecies of Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on large 20-30-foot coffee plants at moderate altitudes. Their unique taste is both tart and sour, which makes them a popular choice for blends that are house-made. They have a less pronounced aroma and caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta but they do possess a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular 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 reclassified to an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and carry an eerie, dark taste. They're often used in blends to give extra body and a rich tart, ripe fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most well-known, and are known for having a sweeter taste. They thrive at higher altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They are slightly acidic. When roasted and brewed correctly they may have notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most adored coffee in the world, and accounts for about 40% of all jamaica blue coffee beans consumed globally. These beans are rounder and smaller, yet they contain twice as much caffeine than Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy and woody taste.

After having a better understanding of the four most popular varieties of brew, it's time to choose your favorite brew. If you prefer an elegant and delicate taste go for an arabica bean, or a blend consisting of arabica beans and robusta beans.