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

If you're a coffee lover you're probably aware that different types of beans can produce different flavors. Read on to learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, more tart flavor profile and are often used in blends of beans to give them added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and less acidic than Robusta, and come in various flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee are affected by the conditions under which it is grown and the methods of processing used.

The word "Unroasted Coffee beans" originates from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were stimulated by eating fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee spread quickly around the world.

Coffee beans can thrive at high altitudes and flourish with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is considered to be the most delicious type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on ethically sourced arabica beans, focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that are suitable for a variety of brewing methods. Blending gives control over the aroma, taste and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is typically used to create an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most widely used type of coffee bean cultivated worldwide. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids that are antioxidants that naturally occur. These acids can cause oxidation in the coffee beans bulk brewing and produce undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica and is able to grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and does well in direct sun. It is faster growing and produces more premium coffee beans per plant than arabica, which makes it a cost-effective crop to cultivate.

Although it might seem odd Robusta beans are typically combined with arabica to create coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee it's possible that there is also some robusta.

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans to cut costs and maintain quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor you should select the highest quality beans from a reliable source. The best way to achieve this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football which makes them different from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinct aroma that is fruity and floral with the smoky notes. They are often added to other coffee bean varieties to add a fuller, more robust flavor.

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

These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. It is possible to purchase the seeds on the internet from several sources, however it is preferred to purchase them locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is another type of coffee bean. It was originally classified as a distinct species, but has been classified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on large 20-30 foot coffee plants that are located at medium altitudes. Their distinctive flavor is sweet and tart, making them a popular option for house blends. They are also less pronounced in flavor and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still have a distinct taste.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth-most popular type of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually considered distinct species of coffee up until 2006, at which point they were reclassified to be a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans shop beans are shaped in the shape of teardrops and have a dark, mysterious taste. These beans are commonly utilized to give blends extra body and a sweet tart flavor of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They thrive at higher altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They also have a bit of acidity. When roasted and brewed properly they may have notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is an extremely close second to Arabica and makes up about 40 percent of the world's beans. These beans are smaller and more round however, they contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have woody and earthy undertones.

After learning about the four most popular varieties of brew, it's time to select your favorite brew. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.