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

You probably already know that different varieties can produce distinct flavors. Read on to learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, which are a variety of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier, more tart flavor profile and are often used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of the world's production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta, and they come in different flavors. The taste and aroma components of a coffee can vary significantly based on the growing conditions and processing methods used to produce it.

The word 'coffee' actually is derived from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats became stimulated after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of coffee quickly spread across the world.

Coffee beans can thrive at high altitudes and thrive in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is believed to be the most delicious type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops concentrate on the ethical source of their arabica beans by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that work well with many methods of brewing. Blending gives control over the aroma, flavor and body, as well as the acidity of coffee. It is usually preferred to get a consistent and balanced taste that is appealing to a broad audience.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most sought-after kind of coffee bean in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids that are antioxidants that naturally occur. However, these acids could cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and may produce undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica, able thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and does well in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant, and it grows faster than arabica. This makes it a more economically viable crop to cultivate.

Although it may sound contradictory however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you see names such as Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee it's possible that there's also some robusta.

While some roasters use exclusively arabica beans but the majority do mix both varieties to lower costs and ensure quality. To ensure the quality of the flavor, it's crucial to select a premium bean from a source you are confident in. This can be accomplished by purchasing your beans direct from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football, which is what makes them distinct from other coffee beans. They have a unique aroma that is fruity and floral with subtle smoky undertones. They are often added to other beans to give a more intense, fuller flavor.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for home cultivation. Online, you can purchase the seeds from various sources. However, it's ideal to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure the highest quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils that have moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered a distinct species, but is now classified as an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on 20 to 30-foot coffee plants at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both fruity and tart and has made them a preferred choice in house blends. They have a lighter aroma and caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta however they possess a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most popular kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't as easily accessible as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually regarded as an entirely different species of coffee until 2006 when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the global production of Speciality Coffee Beans. These coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape, and an intriguing dark flavor. They're often used in blends to give extra body and a rich, tart, ripened fruit taste.

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

Robusta is the second most adored coffee bean suppliers near me around the world. It makes up around 40% of the coffee consumed around the world. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder however they 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 having a better understanding of the four most popular types of brew, it's time to pick your favorite drink. If you want a smooth soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.

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