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

If you're a coffee enthusiast you're likely aware that different kinds of beans have different flavor profiles. 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 sweeter and more tart flavor profile and are often added to blends of coffee to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica is the most well-known coffee in the world with 75% of all global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta and come in different flavors. The aroma and taste of a particular coffee can vary widely depending on the growing conditions and processing methods used to produce it.

The word "coffee beans unroasted" is derived from the Arabic word meaning berry. coffee beans shop beans are actually seeds that sprout in bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were invigorated by eating these fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly across the globe.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and are capable of thriving when exposed to cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is believed to be the most delicious type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on ethical sourcing of arabica beans, focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that work well with many different brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the aroma, taste, body and acidity of coffee. It is usually preferred to achieve an even and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of Coffee Beans Types bean grown across the globe. They have more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids which are antioxidants naturally found in. These acids can cause oxidation during the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.

The plant is more resilient than the arabica and can grow in less favorable conditions. It can tolerate higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more luxury coffee beans per plant, and it grows faster than arabica. This makes it a more efficient crop to grow.

Although it might sound odd the fact is 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 there's also some robusta.

The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans to cut costs and ensure the quality. To ensure the quality of the flavor, it's essential to select a high-quality bean from a supplier you are confident in. The best method to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped and are therefore distinct from other coffee bean types. They have a distinctive scent that is fruity and floral with the smoky notes. They are often added to other coffee bean types to give them a more rounded, more robust taste.

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

These attributes make them ideal to grow at home. Online, you can buy seeds from a variety of sources. However, it is ideal to purchase the beans from local producers to guarantee quality. The ideal conditions to grow Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils that have moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is another type of coffee bean. It was initially classified as a distinct species, but has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on 20-30-foot coffee plants at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is tart and sour, making them a popular option for blends that are house-made. They are also lighter in aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta, but still have an unusual richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta even though they are the fourth most popular. They were actually regarded as an entirely different species of expensive coffee beans 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 percent of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and carry a dark, mysterious flavor. These beans are often used to give blends more body and a tangy taste of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive at higher altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. 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 sought-after coffee in the world, and accounts for about 40% of the 500g coffee beans consumed worldwide. Robusta is rounder and smaller, but they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two varieties and have a woody, earthy taste.

Now that you've learned the four most commonly used types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select the perfect coffee. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor opt for an arabica or a blend of robusta beans and arabica beans.