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

If you're a coffee lover you're likely aware that different beans have distinct flavor profiles. Read on to learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica, are 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 comprise 75% of all global production. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta. They also come in different flavors. The taste and aroma components of a coffee may vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and processing techniques employed to make it.

The word "good coffee beans" comes from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats became energized after eating these berries, and that the cultivation of coffee soon began to spread throughout the coffee bean shop world.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes and are in a position to thrive when exposed to cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons for why Arabica is considered to be the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops are focused on using ethically-sourced arabica beans and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to make unique specialty coffees that are well-suited for a wide range of brewing methods. Blending can be used to control the aroma, flavor and body of the coffee. It is often preferred in order to create a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most coveted type of coffee bean in the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids can cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and can cause 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 is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a cheaper crop to cultivate.

Although it might sound odd, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you see names like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag it's possible that there is also some robusta.

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority use mix both varieties to lower cost and maintain the quality. To preserve the flavor integrity it is recommended to select an excellent bean from a trusted source. The best method to achieve this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped, which makes them distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have a smell that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are often added to other types of coffee beans to give them a more rounded and more robust taste.

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

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

Another kind of unroasted coffee beans bean is Excelsa, which was once considered to be a separate species but has been re-classified as a subspecies of Liberica. These coffee beans with an oval shape are grown on large coffee plants that range from 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both tart and fruity which has made them a sought-after choice for blends in house. They have a less pronounced aroma and higher caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but still have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth-most popular kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. They were considered to be 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 world's production of coffee. These coffee beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape, and a dark, mysterious taste. They are frequently used to give blends extra body and a sweet tart flavor of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are renowned for having a the most delicious taste. They thrive in tropical and warm climates and at high altitudes. They also have a little of acidity. If brewed correctly and medium roast coffee beans they can be a bit sweet with hints of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee in the world, and accounts for about 40% of the coffee consumed worldwide. These beans are smaller and more round however they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two varieties and have a woody, earthy taste.

Once you've mastered the four most commonly used types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans (see more), it's time to select the perfect cup. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica bean or coffee beans to buy a blend of robusta and arabica beans.

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