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

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

Excelsa beans, a type Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter taste profile, and are often added to coffee blends to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica is the most well-known coffee in the world with 75% of the world's coffee bean production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta, and come in different flavors. The taste and aroma components of a coffee may vary significantly based on the growing conditions and methods of processing employed to make it.

The word "coffee" actually derives from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were invigorated by eating fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee spread quickly all over the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and flourish in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is considered to be the best coffee tasting kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on ethically sourced arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create distinctive coffees that are well-suited for various brewing methods. Blending can be used to control the flavour, aroma, 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 coveted kind of coffee bean in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against diseases and pests. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are antioxidants that naturally occur. These acids can cause oxidation during the coffee's brewing process and cause undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more durable than arabica, and can grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It is faster growing and produces more Coffee Shop per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective plant to cultivate.

While it may sound counterintuitive however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag it's likely that there is also some robusta.

Although some roasters only use arabica beans, the majority use blend the two varieties in order to cut cost and maintain the quality. In order to preserve the quality of the flavor, it's essential to choose a high-quality bean from a supplier you trust. This can be done by purchasing the beans directly from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped that makes them different from other coffee bean varieties. They are characterized by a smell that is floral, fruity and smoky. They are often paired with other coffee bean varieties to create the fuller, more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans can be found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They can grow in low altitudes and can withstand humid, hot climates. They also have a better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.

These characteristics make them ideal for home-growing. You can find the seeds on the internet from a variety of sources, but it's recommended to purchase locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered a separate species but was later re-classified to be a subspecies of Liberica. These coffee beans are oval-shaped and are found on large coffee plants that can reach 20 to 30 feet in height at medium altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both fruity and tart and has made them a preferred option in blends made by home. They are also less pronounced in the aroma and caffeine compared to Arabica and Robusta and Robusta, yet they have an unusual taste.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth-most popular type of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't quite as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were considered to be distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were changed to a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Currently, they're cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's coffee production. These coffee beans are shaped in the shape of a teardrop and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They're often used in blends to add body and a delicious, tart, coffee shop ripened fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most well-known, and are well-known for their more sweetness. They thrive in warm, tropical environments and at high altitudes. They have a little acidity. When properly roasted and brewed they can be a bit sweet with hints of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second only to Arabica and makes up around 40% of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are more round and smaller, yet they contain twice as much caffeine than Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two varieties and have an earthy, woody taste.

Once you've mastered the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans now is the time to pick 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.