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

You've probably heard that different types produce distinct flavors. Learn about four of the coffee bean shop most popular varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter taste profile, and are often added to blends of beans to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee Beans types worldwide accounting for 75% of the world's coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta, and they come in different flavour profiles. The taste and aroma components of a particular coffee can vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and processing methods employed to produce it.

The word "coffee" originates 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 found that their goats were stimulated by eating fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee spread quickly across the globe.

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

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on ethically sourced arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique coffees that are suitable for a variety of brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the aroma, taste and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is often used to create an even and balanced taste that appeals a wide market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second-most popular type of coffee bean around the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are antioxidants that naturally occur. These acids can cause oxidation in the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.

The plant is more robust than the arabica and can be grown in less favorable climates. It can tolerate 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 seem counterintuitive it's true that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag it's possible there's also some robusta.

Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority use combine the two varieties to reduce costs and maintain quality. To ensure the quality of the flavor, it is essential to select a premium bean from a source you are confident with. This can be done by buying your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped which distinguishes them from other coffee bean varieties. They have a distinctive aroma that is floral and fruity with smokey undertones. They are often added to other coffee bean types to give them a more rounded and more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans for sale beans are available in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They can be grown at low altitudes, and they can tolerate humid, hot climates. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta.

These characteristics make them ideal for home-growing. Online, you can purchase seeds from numerous sources. However, it's best to purchase the beans from local producers to guarantee quality. The best growing conditions for Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH as well as adequate annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different type of coffee bean. It was initially classified as a distinct species, but it has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee bean suppliers beans are elongated ovals that grow on large 20 to 30 feet coffee plants that are located at medium altitudes. Their distinctive flavor is tart and sour, making them a popular option for blends made at home. They are also lighter on the aroma and caffeine compared to Arabica and Robusta, but still have an unusual taste.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most coveted type of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually considered distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were reclassified to be a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. These days, they're mostly grown in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped as a teardrop and possess a dark, eerie taste. They are often blended to add body and a rich, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive in tropical, warm environments and at high altitudes. They also have a touch of acidity. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly they may impart notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and accounts for around 40% of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are smaller and more round but they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties, and tend to have woody and earthy overtones.

Once you've mastered the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans you can now choose the perfect cup. If you're looking for a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.