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

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

Excelsa beans are a variety of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier, more tart flavor and are often utilized in blends of beans to give them added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of all global production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta. They also come in different flavors. The flavor and aroma of coffee can be affected by the conditions in the conditions in which it grows and the processing methods employed.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word that means berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were energized after eating these berries, and that the cultivation of coffee soon became widespread across the globe.

Coffee beans can flourish at high altitudes, and thrive in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons for why Arabica is regarded as the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on using ethically-sourced arabica beans by focusing on fair wages for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique signature coffees, which can be used in a variety of brewing methods. Blending can control the aroma, flavor, body and acidity of coffee. It is usually preferred to get a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals to a broad market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean cultivated worldwide. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation in the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.

The plant is more robust than the arabica and can grow in less favorable environments. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a more efficient crop to grow.

While it may sound counterintuitive, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended to create coffee beans in bulk blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee it's possible that there's also some robusta.

The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs while maintaining quality. In order to preserve the integrity of the flavor, it's crucial to choose a high-quality bean from a supplier you trust. This can be done by purchasing your beans directly from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape like a football, that makes them different from other coffee beans. They have a unique aroma that is floral and fruity with the smoky notes. They are paired with other types of coffee beans to give them a richer and more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans are available in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They are resistant to hot, humid climates and can grow at low altitudes. They are also more resistant to diseases than Arabica or Robusta.

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. Online, you can buy the seeds from many sources. However, it's ideal to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure high-quality. The best growing conditions for Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH, and adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered a separate species but is now classified as an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans are oval-shaped and are found on large coffee plants that range from 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their unique taste is both sweet and tart, making them a popular option for house blends. They are also less pronounced in the aroma and caffeine compared to Arabica and Robusta, but still have an unusual taste.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most coveted type of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually considered to be a different species of coffee Beans types until 2006, when they were reclassified to become 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. The coffee beans have the shape of teardrops and have a dark, mysterious taste. They're typically used in blends to add body and a delicious, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive at high altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They have a slight acidity. If brewed correctly and roast they may be flavored with notes of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee around the world. It is responsible for around 40% of all coffee consumed in the world. Robusta beans are more round and smaller, yet they contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two types and have a woody, earthy taste.

After learning about the four most popular varieties, it's now time to select the best brew. If you're looking for a smooth and delicate taste, go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.