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

You probably already know that different varieties can produce distinct flavors. Learn more about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter taste profile, and are often added to blends of organic Coffee beans to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the world's most popular coffee with 75% of the global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are milder and have a sweeter flavor than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee can be affected by the conditions under which it is grown as well as the methods of processing used.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized by eating the fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee quickly spread around the world.

Coffee beans can flourish at high altitudes and thrive in cool 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 focus on the ethical source of arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique signature coffees that are suitable for various brewing methods. Blending can be used to control the aroma, flavor and body of the coffee and is usually preferred to create an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean cultivated worldwide. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids which are antioxidants found naturally. However, these acids can cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and may result in undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica, and can thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand warmer temperatures and does well in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cheaper crop to grow.

While it may seem counterintuitive the fact is that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you notice the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a bag of coffee and you can be sure that there's some Robusta in there as well.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to cut costs and maintain the quality. To preserve the integrity of the flavor, it's crucial to select a premium bean from a source you trust. This can be accomplished by purchasing the beans directly from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is like a football, which makes them different from other coffee beans. They have a scent that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are added to other coffee bean types to provide them with a more rich and more robust taste.

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

These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. Online, you can buy the seeds from many sources. However, it is best to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils that have moderately acidic, and enough annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different type of coffee bean. It was previously classified as a separate species, but has now been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on 20-30-foot coffee plants that are located at medium altitudes. Their distinctive flavor is tart and sour, making them a popular option for blends that are house-made. They have a less pronounced aroma and higher caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta but they still possess a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most popular kind of coffee bean near me beans Excelsa beans aren't as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually thought to be a different coffee plant species until 2006, when they were reclassified to be a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the global production of coffee beans in bulk. The coffee beans have the shape of a teardrop and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They're frequently used in blends to give extra body and a delicious tart, ripe fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in tropical, warm environments and at high altitudes. They are slightly acidic. When properly roasted and brewed, they can have notes of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.

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

After you've learned about the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans you can now choose the perfect cup. If you want a smooth mild flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.