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

If you're a coffee lover you're likely aware that different kinds of beans can produce different flavors. Find out more about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a type Liberica which is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and more tart flavor and are often used in blends of beans to give them added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of the global production. Arabica beans have a sweeter and less sour taste than Robusta, and come in a variety of flavor profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee are influenced by the conditions under the conditions it is grown and the processing methods employed.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word meaning berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were stimulated after eating these berries, and the cultivation of coffee quickly began to spread throughout the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and are in a position to thrive when exposed to cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is considered to be the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on using ethically-sourced arabica beans by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees, which are suitable for different brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the aroma, flavor and body of the coffee. It is generally preferred to achieve a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second-most popular type of coffee bean around the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are antioxidants that naturally occur. These acids can cause oxidation in the coffee brewing and produce undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more durable than arabica and is able to grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows more quickly than arabica. This makes it a more economically viable crop to cultivate.

While it may seem counterintuitive however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag and you can be sure that there's some Robusta in there too.

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans but the majority do blend the two varieties to reduce cost and maintain quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor, you should choose the highest quality beans from a trusted source. The best method to achieve this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped, which makes them distinct from other coffee bean types. They have a distinctive scent that is fruity and floral with smokey undertones. They are often added to other bean varieties to provide an extra, stronger flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They are tolerant of 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 ideal for home-growing. On the internet, you can purchase seeds from a variety of sources. However, it's ideal to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure high-quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once considered to be a separate species but was later re-classified to be an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on large 20 to 30-foot coffee plants at medium altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both fruity and tart which has made them a popular choice for blends in house. They have a less pronounced flavor and lower caffeine levels than Arabica or Robusta but they do have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular as Arabica and arabica coffee beans Robusta, yet they're the fourth most popular. In fact, they were considered an individual species of coffee plant until 2006 when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped in the shape of a teardrop and are dark and mysterious in taste. They are frequently used to give blends more body and a rich, tart taste of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are renowned for their a sweeter taste. They thrive best at high altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They have a little acidity. When properly roasted and arabica coffee beans brewed they may be flavored with notes of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second only to Arabica and makes up about 40 percent of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are more round and smaller, but they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have woody and earthy undertones.

After having learned about the four most popular varieties you can now select your favorite brew. If you're looking for a smooth and delicate taste, go for an arabica bean or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.