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

You've probably heard that different types produce different flavors. Read on to learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are one of the varieties of Liberica that is cultivated exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and more tart flavor profile and are often added to blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after light roast coffee beans worldwide accounting for 75% of the world's coffee bean production. Arabica beans are sweeter and less acidic than Robusta. They also come in different flavors. The aroma and taste of a coffee may vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and processing methods employed to produce it.

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

Coffee Beans Types beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and are in a position to thrive when exposed to cool temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the reasons that Arabica is regarded as the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on ethical sourcing of arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that are suitable for different brewing methods. Blending can control the aroma, flavor, body and acidity of coffee. It is often preferred to achieve an even and consistent taste that appeals to a broad market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation in the coffee brewing and produce undesirable flavors.

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

While it may seem counterintuitive it's true that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you see the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a gourmet coffee beans bag, it's likely that there's some robusta as well.

The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs and maintain the quality. To maintain the quality of the flavor, it's important to select a high-quality bean from a source you are confident with. The best method to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape like a football, which is what makes them distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinctive aroma that is floral and fruity with smoky undertones. They are paired with other types of coffee beans to provide them with a more rich, more robust taste.

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

These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. It is possible to purchase the seeds on the internet from several sources, however it is best to purchase them from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic and adequate 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 with an oval shape grow on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both fruity and tart which makes them a popular choice in house blends. They are also less heavy on scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta and Robusta, yet they have an unusual depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as widely used as Arabica and Robusta despite being the fourth most popular. They were actually regarded as to be a different species of coffee up until 2006, at which point they were reclassified to become a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Currently, they're cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. The beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and carry an intriguing dark flavor. These beans are often utilized to give blends extra body and a tangy taste of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive at high altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They also have a bit of acidity. When properly roasted and brewed, they can have notes of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.

Robusta is an extremely close second to Arabica and is responsible for about 40 percent of the world's beans. These beans are rounder and smaller, but contain more caffeine than Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties, and tend to have woody and earthy overtones.

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