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

You probably already know that different types of plants produce distinct flavors. Learn more about four of the 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 more tart flavor profile and are often added to blends of beans to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of all global production. Arabica beans are milder and have a sweeter flavor than Robusta and come in a variety profiles. The taste and aroma components of a particular coffee can vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and methods of processing employed to produce it.

The word "coffee" actually comes from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were stimulated after eating these berries, and that the cultivation of coffee beans to buy quickly was a global phenomenon.

Coffee beans can thrive at high altitudes and thrive with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is considered to be the best tasting kind of coffee bean coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on ethical sourcing of arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that can be used in different brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the flavour, aroma as well as body and acidity of the coffee. It is typically preferred to achieve an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second-most popular type of coffee bean around the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids can cause oxidation during the process of brewing coffee and may result in undesirable flavors.

The plant is more resilient than the arabica and may grow in less favorable environments. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows faster than arabica. This makes it a more economical crop to cultivate.

Although it might seem odd, Robusta beans are often mixed with arabica to create top 10 Coffee beans blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag it's possible there is also some robusta.

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and preserve the quality. To maintain the integrity of the flavor, it's important to select a premium bean from a source that you trust. The best method to achieve this is to buy your 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 have a distinct aroma that is fruity and floral with smoky undertones. They are often added to other beans to give an extra, stronger flavor.

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 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 is preferred to purchase them from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils that have moderately acidic pH as well as adequate annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once considered a distinct species, but was re-classified as a subspecies of Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that are grown on large 20 to 30 feet coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. Their distinctive taste is sweet and tart, making them a popular choice for house blends. They have a lighter aroma and caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta however they have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most coveted type of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. In fact, they were considered distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were classified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the global production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped as a teardrop and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They are typically used to give blends more body and a sweet tart flavor of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are the most well-known, and are renowned for their more sweetness. They thrive best at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They have a little acidity. If properly roasted and brewed they may be flavored with notes of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee in the world, and is responsible for around 40% of all coffee consumed worldwide. These beans are rounder and smaller, yet they contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have woody and earthy undertones.

Now that you've learned the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans now is the time to pick your ideal coffee. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.