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

You probably already know that different varieties produce different flavors. 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 grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity, more tart flavor and are frequently used in blends of coffee for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of all global production. Arabica beans have a sweeter and types of coffee beans less sour flavor than Robusta and are available in a variety profiles. The taste and aroma components of a coffee can vary in a wide range depending on the cultivation conditions and processing methods employed to produce it.

The word 'coffee' actually is derived from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are fruit seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were energized after eating these berries. The cultivation of coffee grew rapidly around the world.

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

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on sourcing their arabica beans ethically and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees that are well-suited for various brewing methods. Blending can control the aroma, flavor, body and acidity of coffee. It is generally preferred to achieve an even and balanced taste that appeals a wide market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean grown across the globe. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to pests and disease. They also have 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 thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a more cost effective crop to grow.

While it may seem counterintuitive Robusta beans are frequently blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you've seen the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a bag of coffee, it's likely that there's some Robusta in there too.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee bean suppliers near me beans to cut costs and Types of Coffee Beans preserve quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor, you should choose the highest quality beans from a reliable source. The best method to do this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is like a football, that makes them different from other types of coffee beans. They have an aroma that is floral, fruity and smoky. They are paired with other types of coffee beans to give them a more rounded and more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in 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 qualities make them ideal for home-growing. It is possible to purchase the seeds on the internet from several sources, however it's recommended to purchase from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The best growing conditions for Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally considered a distinct species, but was later re-classified to be a subspecies of Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on large 20-30-foot coffee plants at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both tart and fruity and makes them a popular option in blends made by home. They have a lighter aroma and caffeine levels than Arabica or Robusta but still have a distinct flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most coveted kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were regarded as a separate coffee plant species until 2006 when they were reclassified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans are shaped as teardrops and possess a dark, eerie taste. They're often used in blends to add body and a full, tart, ripened fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most popular and are well-known for their more sweetness. They thrive in tropical and warm environments and at high altitudes. They also have a little of acidity. If properly roasted and brewed, they can have notes of nuts, nearby chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most sought-after coffee around the world. It makes up 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 having learned about the four most common types, it's now time to choose your favorite brew. If you prefer an elegant and delicate taste go for an arabica bean, or a blend consisting of robusta beans and arabica beans.