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

You've probably heard that different varieties can produce distinct flavors. Learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, tarter flavor profile and are often used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the world's most popular coffee with 75% of the global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta and come in different flavors. The aroma and taste of coffee are influenced by the conditions in which it is grown and the methods of processing used.

The word 'coffee' actually comes from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are fruit seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats became energy-rich after eating these fruits, and the cultivation of coffee soon spread across the 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 main reasons that Arabica is regarded as the best-tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee beans near me roasters and shops are focused on using ethically-sourced arabica beans and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique coffees that can be used in different brewing methods. Blending gives control over the aroma, taste and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is typically used to create an even and consistent taste that appeals a wide market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most sought-after kind of coffee bean in the world. They have a higher caffeine content per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids can cause oxidation during the coffee brewing process and can cause undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica, able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate higher temperatures and does well in direct sun. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective crop to cultivate.

While it may seem counterintuitive, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended to make 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 exclusively use arabica beans, the majority of roasters use blend the two varieties to cut costs and maintain the quality. To preserve the integrity of the flavor, it's essential to choose a high-quality bean from a source you are confident in. This can be accomplished by purchasing the beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped and are therefore distinct from other types of coffee beans. They are characterized by a smell that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are paired with other types of coffee beans to give them a more rounded, more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans are available in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They are adaptable to humid, hot climates and are able to grow at low altitudes. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta.

These characteristics make them ideal for home-growing. You can find the seeds on the internet from several sources, but it's best to purchase them from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The best growing conditions for Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered a separate species but is now classified as a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on large 20 to 30 feet coffee plants at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both tart and fruity and has made them a popular option in blends made by home. They have a lighter scent and a lower caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but still have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta, even though they are the fourth most popular. In fact they were considered to be a separate coffee plant species until 2006 when they were classified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Today, they're grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans are shaped in the shape of a teardrop and have a STARBUCKS Espresso Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee Bundle, mysterious taste. They are frequently used to give blends more body and a rich tart taste of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive in tropical and warm climates as well as at higher altitudes. They also have a bit of acidity. If brewed correctly and roast they may have notes of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second to Arabica and makes up about 40% of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, yet contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two varieties and have an earthy and woody taste.

Now that you've learned the four most common types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select the perfect cup. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth mild flavor, go for an arabica or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.

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