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

You probably already know that different varieties can produce distinct flavors. Find out about four of the most widely used varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, which are a variety of Liberica is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter taste profile and are often used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of the global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in taste than Robusta, and come with a variety of flavor profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee may vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and methods of processing used to make it.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were stimulated by eating the fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly all over the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and are able to thrive when exposed to cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons why Arabica is regarded as the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on the ethical source of their arabica beans, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique coffees that are suitable for a variety of brewing methods. Blending allows for control over the aroma, flavor and body of the coffee and is usually preferred to achieve a balanced and consistent taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most coveted kind of coffee bean around the world. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids can cause oxidation during the process of brewing coffee and may produce undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more durable than arabica and is able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more unroasted coffee beans wholesale per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective plant to grow.

Although it might appear counterintuitive Robusta beans are typically mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you've seen the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya listed on a bag of coffee it's likely there's some Robusta in there as well.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs and preserve the quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor you should select the best quality beans from a trusted source. This can be done by buying your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is similar to a football which is what makes them distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinctive scent that is fruity and floral with subtle smoky undertones. They are added to other coffee bean types to give them a richer, more robust taste.

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

These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. You can purchase seeds online from a number of sources, but it's best to buy locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile, deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH as well as adequate annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different type of coffee bean. It was previously classified as a distinct species, but has now been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are ovals that are cultivated on 20 to 30 feet coffee plants at moderate altitudes. Their distinctive flavor is tart and sour, making them a popular option for blends that are house-made. They have a more subtle aroma and higher caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but still have a unique depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most coveted kind of coffee beans to buy beans Excelsa beans aren't quite as easily accessible as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually considered an entirely different species of coffee up until 2006, at which point they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. The Coffee beans types beans are shaped as teardrops and possess a dark, mysterious taste. These beans are often used to give blends additional body and a rich tart taste of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are the most well-known, and are known for having more sweetness. They thrive in warm, tropical climates and at high altitudes. They have a little acidity. If properly roasted and brewed they may be flavored with notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is an extremely close second to Arabica and is responsible for about 40 percent of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, but they have more caffeine than Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two varieties and have a woody, earthy taste.

After you've learned about the four most commonly used types you can now select the coffee bean shop best brew. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor go for an arabica bean or a blend made up of robusta beans and arabica beans.