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

If you're a lover of coffee you're probably aware that different varieties of beans produce varying flavor profiles. Find out about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and more tart flavor profile and are often used in blends of coffee to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of all global production. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta and are available with a variety of flavor profiles. The aroma and taste of a cup of coffee can differ significantly based on the growing conditions and processing methods used to make it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop within bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were energized after eating these berries. The cultivation of coffee quickly spread around the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and are able to thrive when exposed to cool temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the reasons that Arabica is regarded as the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on ethical sourcing of arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees, Types of Coffee Beans which are suitable for different brewing methods. Blending can control the aroma, flavor and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is usually preferred to achieve a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans coffee are the second most coveted kind of coffee bean around the world. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation during the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica and is able to grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows faster than arabica. This makes it a cost effective crop to grow.

While it may sound counterintuitive it's true that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended together to create coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags it's possible that there is also some robusta.

Most roasters employ a mixture of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs while maintaining the quality. In order to preserve the quality of the flavor, it's essential to choose a high-quality bean from a supplier you are confident in. The best way to achieve this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped which distinguishes them from other varieties of coffee beans. They have a smell that is floral, fruity and smokey. They are often added to other coffee beans to give an extra, stronger flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They are tolerant of hot, humid climates and can grow at low altitudes. They also have a better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal for home-growing. The seeds can be found online from many sources, however it is best to purchase them locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered to be a separate species but was later re-classified to be a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on large 20-30 foot coffee plants at medium altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both tart and fruity that makes them a popular choice for blends in house. They are also less pronounced in aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta however they still have an unusual richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth-most popular type of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite as easily accessible as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were regarded as an individual species of coffee plant until 2006 when they were changed to an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. These beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and have a dark, mysterious taste. They are typically used to give blends extra body and a rich tart taste of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are the most popular, and are renowned for having a more sweetness. They thrive at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They also have a touch of acidity. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly they may impart notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee worldwide, and accounts for about 40% of the coffee consumed around the world. These beans are smaller and rounder, but have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have woody and earthy overtones.

After you've learned about the four most popular types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select the perfect cup. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors, choose an arabica bean or a blend comprised of robusta and arabica beans.