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

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

Excelsa beans are one of the varieties of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter taste profile, and are often used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans comprise 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 particular coffee can vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and methods of processing used to produce it.

The word 'coffee' actually comes from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were stimulated by eating these berries. The cultivation of coffee grew rapidly across the globe.

colombian coffee beans beans can grow at high altitudes and flourish in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is believed to be the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on ethical sourcing of arabica beans, focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create distinctive coffees that work well with various brewing methods. Blending allows for control over the aroma, flavor, body, and acidity of the coffee and is typically preferred to create an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee beans best bean cultivated worldwide. They have 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 in the coffee brewing process and can cause undesirable flavors.

The plant is more robust than the arabica, and can grow in less favorable environments. It can withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more illy coffee beans per plant and grows faster than arabica. This makes it a more economically viable crop to cultivate.

While it may sound counterintuitive it's true that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee bag it's likely there's some Robusta in there too.

Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority use a mix of the two varieties to cut costs and preserve quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor you must select a high quality bean from a reliable source. This can be accomplished by purchasing your beans directly from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped that makes them different from other coffee beans london bean varieties. They are characterized by a smell that is floral, fruity and smoky. They are often paired with other coffee bean varieties to add the fuller, more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans can be found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They are tolerant of hot, humid conditions and can be grown at low altitudes. They also have a more resistant to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. It is possible to purchase the seeds on the internet from a variety of sources, however it is best value coffee beans to buy from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils with a moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally considered a distinct species, but is now classified as an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans are oval-shaped and grow on large coffee plants that reach 20-30 feet in height at medium altitudes. Their distinctive taste is sweet and tart, making them a popular choice for house blends. They have a lighter scent and a lower caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta but still have a unique depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most sought-after type of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't quite so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually regarded as to be a different species of coffee until 2006, Colombian coffee Beans when they were reclassified to be 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, mysterious taste. They are often blended to provide extra body and a luscious, tart, ripened fruit flavor.

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 also have a hint of acidity. If brewed correctly and roast they may be flavored with notes of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee worldwide, and makes up around 40% of the coffee consumed globally. Robusta beans are more round and smaller, but contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two varieties and have a woody, earthy taste.

After having learned about the four most popular varieties you can now choose your favorite brew. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors pick an arabica or a blend of robusta beans and arabica beans.