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

If you're a coffee lover you're likely to know that different types of beans have distinct flavor profiles. Read on to learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, which are a variety of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter taste profile, and are often added to blends of coffee beans shop to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica is the most well-known coffee in the world with 75% of global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta, and they come in different flavors. The flavor and aroma of coffee can be affected by the conditions in which it is grown and the processing methods employed.

The word 'coffee' actually comes from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats became stimulated after eating these berries, and the cultivation of coffee soon began to spread throughout the world.

Cheap coffee beans beans can be grown at high altitudes, and are able to thrive in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is thought to be the most delicious kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters insist on the ethical source of their arabica beans by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees that can be used in various brewing methods. Blending gives control over the aroma, flavor and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is usually utilized to create an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider 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 pests and diseases. They also contain 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 be grown in less favorable climates. It can tolerate higher temperatures and does well in direct sun. It produces more 500g coffee beans per plant, and it grows faster than arabica. This makes it a more economically viable crop to cultivate.

While it may seem counterintuitive it's true that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you've seen the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya listed on a bag of coffee, it's likely that there's some robusta too.

Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority use a mix of the two varieties in order to cut costs and ensure the quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor you should select the best quality beans from a reliable source. The best method to do this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped which distinguishes them from other varieties of coffee beans. They have a smell that is floral, fruity and smoky. They are paired with other coffee bean types to give them a more rounded and more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They are well-adapted to humid, hot climates and are able to grow at low altitudes. They also have a much better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal to grow at home. It is possible to purchase the seeds on the internet from several sources, but it is recommended to purchase from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile, deep volcanic soils with a moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different variety of coffee bean. It was once classified as a separate species, but it has since been classified as a Liberica variant. The coffee beans that are oval in shape grow on large coffee plants that can reach 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both fruity and tart, which has made them a preferred option in blends made by home. They have a less pronounced aroma and caffeine levels than Arabica or Robusta but they do have a unique depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta, despite being the fourth most popular. In fact they were considered to be 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. These coffee beans are shaped like a teardrop and are dark and mysterious in taste. They are often blended to add body and a rich tart, ripe fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most well-known, and are known for having the most delicious taste. They thrive in warm, tropical climates as well as at higher altitudes. They have a little acidity. If properly roasted and brewed, they can have notes of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee in the world and accounts for about 40% of the coffee beans price consumed around the world. These beans are smaller and more round, but have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two varieties and have an earthy and woody taste.

After learning about the four most popular varieties, it's now time to pick your favorite drink. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors opt for an arabica or a blend of arabica beans and robusta beans.