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

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

Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter flavor, and are often added to blends of beans to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of the global production. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta. They are available with a variety of flavor profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee may vary in a wide range depending on the cultivation conditions and methods of processing employed to make it.

The word "coffee" actually is derived from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are fruit seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats became stimulated after eating these fruits, and the cultivation of coffee quickly began to spread throughout the world.

Coffee beans can thrive at high altitudes and flourish in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is thought to be the most delicious type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on the ethical source of arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique coffees, which can be used in a variety of brewing methods. Blending gives you control over the flavour, aroma as well as body and acidity of the coffee beans Ground and is frequently preferred to create a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean grown across the globe. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acid, which are antioxidants found naturally. These acids can cause oxidation in the coffee brewing and produce undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more durable than arabica, and can 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 grows faster than arabica. This makes it a more economical crop to cultivate.

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

Most roasters employ a mixture of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs while maintaining the quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor you must select the best quality beans from a trusted source. The best method to do this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped and are therefore distinct from other varieties of coffee beans. They have a unique aroma that is floral and fruity with the smoky notes. They are often added to other types of coffee beans to give them a deeper and more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They can thrive in low altitudes and withstand humid, hot climates. They also have a much better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These characteristics make them ideal to grow at home. You can find the seeds online from many sources, however it's best to buy from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The best growing conditions for Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils that have a moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once considered a separate species but was re-classified as a variation of Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that are grown on large 20-30 foot coffee plants at moderate altitudes. Their distinctive taste is tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for house blends. They have a less pronounced flavor coffee Beans ground and lower caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta however they have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most sought-after type of coffee beans fresh beans Excelsa beans aren't quite so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were regarded as a separate coffee plant species until 2006 when they were reclassified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Nowadays, they're grown mostly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and have a dark, mysterious taste. They're typically used in blends to add extra body and a luscious tart, ripe fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most well-known, and are renowned for having a an apricot-like flavor. They thrive at higher altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They are slightly acidic. If brewed and roasted coffee beans correctly they may have notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second to Arabica and is responsible for about 40% of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are smaller and more round however they have twice the amount of caffeine as 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 commonly used types, it's now time to select your favorite brew. If you're looking for a silky and delicate taste, go for an arabica bean or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.