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

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

Excelsa beans are a variety of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity, more tart flavor and are frequently used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of the world's 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 particular coffee can vary widely depending on the growing 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 which grow in bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats were more energetic after eating the fruit, and the cultivation of coffee quickly became widespread across the globe.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and are capable of thriving when exposed to cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is thought to be the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on ethically sourced arabica beans, with a focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique coffees, which are suitable for many different brewing techniques. Blending is a way to control the aroma, flavor, body, and acidity of the coffee. It is often preferred in order to achieve an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a larger 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 resistant against diseases and pests. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acid, which are antioxidants found naturally. However, these acids could cause oxidation during the process of brewing coffee and may produce undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica, and can thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a more efficient crop to grow.

Although it might sound odd, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee it's possible that there is also some robusta.

The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and ensure quality. To maintain the integrity of the flavor, it's essential to select a top-quality bean from a supplier you can trust. This can be achieved by purchasing your beans directly from a farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped and are therefore distinct 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 types to provide them with a more rich and more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans are found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They can thrive in low altitudes and can withstand humid, hot climates. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Types of Coffee Beans Robusta.

These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. You can purchase seeds on the internet from several sources, however it's best to purchase them from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils that have moderately acidic pH, and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally thought to be a separate species, but was later re-classified to be a subspecies of Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that are cultivated on 20 to 30 feet coffee plants at medium altitudes. Their unique taste is both sweet and tart, making them a popular choice for blends made at home. They are also lighter in scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still have a distinctive quality of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth-most popular type of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually thought to be distinct species of coffee 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 have a dark, mysterious taste. They are often blended to give extra body and a rich, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most well-known, and are renowned for their an apricot-like flavor. They thrive at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They are slightly acidic. When properly roasted and brewed they may have notes of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second to Arabica and makes up about 40 percent of the world's beans. These beans are smaller and rounder, but have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two varieties and have an earthy, woody flavor.

Now that you've learned the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans, it's time to choose the perfect cup. If you prefer smooth and types of coffee beans delicate flavors, choose an arabica bean or a blend made up of robusta beans and arabica beans.