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

You probably already know that different types of plants produce different flavors. Find out about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

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

Arabica

Arabica is the world's most popular coffee and accounts for 75% of global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are milder and have a sweeter flavor than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavor profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee are affected by the conditions in which it is grown and the processing methods used.

The word "coffee" is derived 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 discovered that their goats became stimulated after eating these berries, and that the cultivation of coffee quickly was a global phenomenon.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is considered to be the most delicious type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on the ethical sourcing of arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make unique coffees that work well with many methods of brewing. Blending gives control over the aroma, taste and body of the coffee. It is often preferred to achieve a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals a wide market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They contain 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. However, these acids could cause oxidation during the process of brewing coffee and could result in unpleasant flavors.

The plant is more robust than the arabica, and can be grown in less favorable climates. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant, and it grows faster than arabica. This makes it a more economical crop to cultivate.

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

The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs and ensure the quality. In order to preserve the integrity of the flavor, it's essential to select a premium beans from a source you are confident with. The best method 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 distinctive scent that is fruity and floral with subtle smoky undertones. They are often added to other coffee bean varieties to add a more intense, fuller flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They are well-adapted to humid, hot climates and are able to grow at low altitudes. They also have a much more resistant to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them perfect for home-growing. On the internet, you can purchase the seeds from many sources. However, it's ideal to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure 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 that was once thought to be a separate species, but was later re-classified to be a variation of Liberica. The coffee beans that are oval in shape are grown on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their unique flavor is tart and sour, making them a popular choice for blends made at home. They are also lighter in scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta and Robusta, yet they have an unusual taste.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most coveted kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. They were considered to be an entirely different species of coffee until 2006, when 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. These coffee beans have the shape of teardrops and possess a dark, eerie taste. These beans are often used to give blends additional body and a sweet tart flavor of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They thrive in tropical and warm environments and at high altitudes. They have a slight acidity. If brewed correctly and roast they may have notes of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and makes up about 40 percent of the world's coffee. These beans are rounder and smaller, yet they contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two types and have a woody, earthy taste.

Once you've mastered the four most common types of coffee beans now is the time to pick the perfect coffee. If you're looking for a silky, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica or a blend of arabica and Types of Coffee Beans robusta beans.