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

If you're a coffee enthusiast you're probably aware that different types of beans can produce different flavors. Find out more about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, which are a variety of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, more tart flavor profile and are frequently used in blends of coffee for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the world's most popular coffee with 75% of the world's coffee bean production. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavours. The aroma and taste of coffee is affected by the conditions under which it is grown and the processing methods used.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word that means berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were stimulated by eating fruits. The cultivation of coffee quickly spread all over the world.

Coffee beans can grow at high altitudes, and thrive in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is considered to be the most delicious kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on the ethical sourcing of arabica beans, with a focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that are well-suited for many brewing methods. Blending gives you control over the flavour, aroma and body as well as the acidity of the coffee. It is frequently preferred to create a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most widely used type of coffee bean grown in the world. They have a higher caffeine content per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation in the coffee's brewing process and cause undesirable flavors.

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

Although it may sound contradictory it's true that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended together to create coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee bag then it's likely that there's some robusta as well.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and preserve quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor, it is essential to select a high-quality beans from a source you are confident in. This can be achieved by purchasing your beans directly from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped that makes them different 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 richer and more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They are well-adapted to humid, hot conditions and can be grown at low altitudes. They are also more resistant to diseases than Arabica or Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal for home cultivation. You can find the seeds online from many sources, but it's recommended to purchase from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of barista coffee beans bean is Excelsa, which was once thought to be a separate species, but was later re-classified to be an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on large 20 to 30 feet coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. They have a distinctive taste that is both fruity and tart, which has made them a preferred option in blends made by home. They are also less heavy on scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta however they still possess a unique taste.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most coveted kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually regarded as a different coffee plant species until 2006 when they were reclassified to become a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the global production of coffee. The coffee beans in bulk beans have a distinctive teardrop-shaped shape and possess an eerie, dark taste. These beans are often used to give blends more body and a rich, tart taste of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They thrive in tropical, warm climates and high altitudes. They also have a hint of acidity. If brewed and roasted correctly they may have notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and makes up about 40% of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are smaller and more round, but have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two varieties and have an earthy, woody taste.

Once you've mastered the four most common types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee bean coffee beans, it's time to select your perfect brew. If you're looking for a smooth and delicate taste, go for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.