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

If you're a lover of coffee you're likely to know that different kinds of beans have distinct flavor profiles. Learn more about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, tarter taste profile and are frequently used in blends of coffee for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica cafe coffee beans beans are responsible for 75% of the global production. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavor profiles. The taste and aroma components of a cup of coffee can differ in a wide range depending on the cultivation conditions and processing methods used to make it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word that means berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were stimulated by eating the fruits. The cultivation of coffee quickly spread across the globe.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and they are able to thrive when exposed to cool temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the reasons for why Arabica is considered to be the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops focus on using ethically-sourced arabica beans, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create distinctive coffees that work well with various methods of brewing. Blending allows for control over the flavour, aroma as well as body and acidity of the coffee and is often preferred in order to create an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean cultivated worldwide. 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. However, these acids could cause oxidation during the coffee brewing process and may produce undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica and is able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant and grows faster than arabica. This makes it a more efficient crop to grow.

Although it might sound odd, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you see names such as Uganda or Kenya on the speciality coffee beans bags, it's possible that there's also some robusta.

Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans but the majority do blend the two varieties to cut costs and preserve the quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor, it's crucial to select a top-quality bean from a source that you are confident in. The best way to do this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape like a football, which is why they are different from other coffee beans. They have a unique aroma that is floral and fruity with the smoky notes. They are often paired with other coffee bean varieties to provide an extra, stronger flavor.

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

These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. Online, you can purchase seeds from numerous sources. However, it is recommended to purchase the beans from local producers in order 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 variety of coffee bean. It was once classified as a distinct species, but has now been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on large 20 to 30-foot coffee plants at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both tart and fruity, which has made them a sought-after choice in house blends. They are also lighter on scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still have an unusual richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most sought-after kind of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't quite so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually considered to be a different species of coffee until 2006, when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans are shaped as a teardrop and have a dark, mysterious taste. They're often used in blends to add body and a full tart, ripe fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most popular, and are renowned for having a the most delicious taste. They thrive at higher altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They also have a hint of acidity. When properly roasted and brewed they can be a bit sweet with hints of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and makes up about 40 percent of the world's coffee. These beans are smaller and more round, but have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two varieties and have an earthy and woody taste.

After learning about the coffee bean shop four most commonly used types and their characteristics, it's time to choose your favorite brew. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor go for an arabica bean or a blend comprised of arabica beans and robusta beans.