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

You've probably heard that different types of plants produce different flavors. Read on to learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier, more tart flavor and are frequently used in blends of beans to give them added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of global production. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta and come in a variety of flavor profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee can vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and processing techniques used to make it.

The word 'coffee' actually originates from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were stimulated by eating the berries. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly all over the world.

Coffee beans can thrive at high altitudes and thrive in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons that Arabica is regarded as the best tasting coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on the ethical source of their arabica beans and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create distinctive coffees that are well-suited for various methods of brewing. Blending is a way to control the aroma, taste and body of the coffee. It is usually utilized to create an even and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean grown across the globe. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica, deal and are more resistant to pests and disease. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are antioxidants found naturally. These acids can cause oxidation in the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica, and can thrive in less favorable conditions. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a cheaper crop to grow.

While it might seem contradictory Robusta beans are typically blended with arabica to make coffee blends. If you see names such as Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee it's likely that there is also some robusta.

Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, most do mix the two varieties to cut cost and maintain the quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor you must select the highest quality beans from a trusted source. This can be achieved by purchasing your beans direct from a farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped that makes them different from other coffee bean types. They have a distinctive scent that is floral and fruity with the smoky notes. They are paired with other types of coffee beans 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 are adaptable to humid, hot climates and can thrive at low altitudes. They also have a more resistant to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal for home-growing. Online, you can buy seeds from numerous sources. However, it is best to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure quality. The ideal conditions to grow Liberica coffee are fertile, deep volcano soils with moderately acidic and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered a distinct species, but has been re-classified as an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that are grown on large 20-30-foot coffee plants that are located at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for blends that are house-made. They are also lighter on the aroma and caffeine compared to Arabica and Robusta yet still have an unusual richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most coveted type of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually thought to be distinct species of coffee up until 2006, saju1004.net at which point they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Currently, they're cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans have the shape of a teardrop and are Carol Anne Dark Chocolate Coffee Beans 450g - Decadent Treats for Coffee Lovers and mysterious in taste. They are frequently used to give blends additional body and a tangy taste of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are well-known for their the most delicious taste. They thrive at higher altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They can be a bit acidic. If properly brewed and roasted they may have notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most sought-after coffee worldwide, and is responsible for 40% of all coffee consumed around the world. Robusta is rounder and smaller, but they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have woody and earthy overtones.

Once you've mastered the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select the perfect cup. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor opt for an arabica or a blend comprised of arabica beans and robusta beans.