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

If you're a coffee enthusiast you're likely to know that different beans have distinct flavor profiles. Learn more about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, Decaf coffee beans and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity, tarter taste profile and are frequently used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in taste than Robusta, and come with a variety of flavor profiles. The taste and aroma components of a costa coffee coffee beans may vary widely depending on the growing conditions and processing methods employed to make it.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats were stimulated after eating these fruits, and the cultivation of coffee quickly became widespread across the globe.

costa coffee bean beans can be grown at high altitudes, and are in a position to thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is believed to be the most delicious kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops focus on using ethically-sourced arabica beans and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that are well-suited for many different brewing methods. Blending can be used to control the aroma, flavor as well as body and acidity of the coffee. It is frequently preferred to achieve an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean grown in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to pests and disease. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acid, which are antioxidants naturally found in. However, these acids could cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and may result in 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 withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cost-effective crop to cultivate.

While it may sound counterintuitive it's true that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag, it's possible that there's also some robusta.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and maintain the quality. To preserve the flavor integrity you must select an excellent bean from a trusted source. The best way to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped which distinguishes them from other types of coffee beans. They have a scent that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are paired with other types of decaf coffee bean 1kg beans (read more) beans to provide them with a more rich and more robust taste.

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 disease than Arabica or Robusta.

These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. On the internet, you can purchase seeds from a variety of sources. However, it is best to buy the beans from local producers in order to guarantee quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils that have a pH that is moderately acidic, and enough annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally thought to be a separate species, but was re-classified as a variation of Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on large 20 to 30-foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. They have a distinctive taste that is both fruity and tart which has made them a preferred choice in house blends. They are also less pronounced in flavor decaf coffee beans and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta and Robusta, yet they have a distinct taste.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta, despite being the fourth most popular. In fact they were considered to be distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were classified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and have an intriguing dark flavor. These beans are often used to give blends more body and a tangy taste of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are renowned for having a the most delicious taste. They thrive in warm, tropical climates and high altitudes. They can be a bit acidic. If properly brewed and roasted, they can have notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most adored coffee in the world, and is responsible for 40% of all coffee consumed worldwide. These beans are smaller and rounder, but have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have earthy and woody overtones.

After having learned about the four most popular types you can now choose your favorite brew. If you want a smooth mild flavor, go for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.