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

If you're a coffee lover you're probably aware that different types of beans have distinct flavor profiles. Find out more about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

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

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are responsible for type of coffee 75% of global production. Arabica beans have a sweeter and less sour flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee is affected by the conditions in which it is grown as well as the processing methods employed.

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

Coffee beans can grow at high altitudes and thrive with cool 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 arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique coffees, which are suitable for a variety of brewing methods. Blending can control the aroma, taste and body of the coffee. It is typically preferred to get an even and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second-most popular kind of coffee bean in the world. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation during the coffee brewing and produce undesirable flavors.

The plant is more resilient than the arabica and is able to grow in less favorable conditions. It can tolerate higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee drinks per plant and grows more quickly than arabica. This makes it a economically viable crop to cultivate.

Although it may sound contradictory the fact is that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended together to create coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag then it's likely that there's some Robusta in there as well.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to reduce costs and maintain the quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor, you should choose a high quality bean 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 which distinguishes them from other coffee bean varieties. They have a distinctive aroma that is fruity and floral with smoky undertones. They are paired with other types of coffee beans to give them a deeper, more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans can be found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They can thrive in low altitudes, and they can tolerate hot, humid climates. They also have a better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them perfect to grow at home. You can find the seeds on the internet from several sources, however it's preferred to purchase them locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils with moderately acidic, and enough annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered to be a separate species but was re-classified as a variation of Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that are grown on large 20 to 30 feet coffee plants at moderate altitudes. Their distinctive flavor is tart and sour, which makes them a popular choice for blends that are house-made. They are also lighter on scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still possess a unique quality of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most popular type of coffee (thewrightbeef.com) beans Excelsa beans aren't quite as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually regarded as a different coffee plant species 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. These coffee beans have the shape of a teardrop and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They're typically used in blends to add body and a delicious, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are renowned for their sweeter flavor. They grow best at high altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They also have a touch of acidity. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly they may have notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee in the world and is responsible for around 40% of the coffee consumed worldwide. Robusta beans are more round and smaller, but they have more caffeine than Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two varieties and have an earthy, woody flavor.

After you've learned about the four most common types and their characteristics, it's time to 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.