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

If you're a lover of coffee, you likely already know that different types of beans have distinct flavor profiles. Find out about four of the most widely used varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica which is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter flavor profile, and are often added to blends of beans to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of the global production. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavours. The aroma and taste of a particular coffee can vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and the processing methods used to produce it.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word that means berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized after eating these fruits, and the cultivation of medium roast coffee beans quickly spread across the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and are in a position to thrive when exposed to cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is considered to be the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops insist on sourcing their arabica beans ethically and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that are suitable for various methods of brewing. Blending can control the aroma, flavor, body and acidity of coffee. It is usually used to create an even and consistent taste that appeals a wide market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most popular kind of coffee bean around the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation during the coffee's brewing process and cause undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica and can thrive in less favorable conditions. It can withstand higher 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.

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 bag of coffee, it's possible that there's also some robusta.

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority of roasters use combine the two varieties in order to cut costs and ensure the quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor it is recommended to select the highest quality beans from a trusted source. This can be done by purchasing your beans direct from a farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped, which makes them distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have a unique aroma that is fruity and floral with smokey undertones. They are added to 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 tolerant of hot, humid climates and can thrive at low altitudes. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal for home-growing. Online, you can purchase seeds from a variety of sources. However, it's best to buy the beans from local producers to ensure quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH and sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different type of coffee bean. It was initially classified as a distinct species, but has now been classified as a Liberica variant. These oval-shaped coffee beans grow on large coffee plants that can reach 20-30 feet in height at medium roast coffee beans altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both fruity and tart that makes them a popular selection in blends for house. They have a more subtle scent and a lower caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but still have a unique depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta, despite being the fourth most popular. They were actually considered a different coffee plant species until 2006 when they were reclassified to be a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Currently, they're cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans are shaped as a teardrop and possess a dark, eerie taste. They're frequently used in blends to give extra body and a delicious, tart, ripened fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most popular, and are well-known for their a sweeter taste. They thrive in tropical and warm climates and high altitudes. They also have a little of acidity. When properly roasted and brewed they may have notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second only to Arabica and makes up about 40 percent of the world's beans. These beans are smaller and rounder however, they contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two types and have a woody, earthy taste.

Once you've mastered 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're looking to enjoy a smooth and delicate taste, go for an arabica bean or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.