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

You probably already know that different types produce distinct flavors. Learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, tarter flavor profile and are often used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of the world's production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta, and come in different flavour profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee are influenced by the conditions under the conditions in which it grows and the processing methods 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 ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats became more energetic after eating the berries, and that the cultivation of coffee quickly became widespread across the globe.

Coffee beans can grow at high altitudes, and thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the main reasons that Arabica is regarded as the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on using ethically-sourced arabica beans by focusing on fair compensation for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to make unique specialty coffees that are suitable for various methods of brewing. Blending is a way to control the aroma, taste and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is usually used to create a consistent and balanced flavor that is appealing to a broad audience.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean grown across the globe. They have a higher caffeine content 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 brewing process of coffee and create undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica and is able to be grown in less favorable climates. It is tolerant of warmer 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 grow.

While it might seem contradictory, Robusta beans are often mixed with arabica to create dark roast coffee beans blends. If you see the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya on a barista coffee beans bag and you can be sure that there's a bit of robusta as well.

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and barista coffee beans beans to reduce costs while maintaining the quality. To preserve the flavor integrity you should select the best quality beans from a reliable source. This can be achieved by purchasing your beans direct from a farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is like a football, which is why they are different from other types of coffee beans shop beans. They are characterized by a smell that is floral, fruity and smokey. They are often paired with other coffee bean varieties to add a fuller, more robust flavor.

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 also have a better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. You can purchase seeds online from a number of sources, however it's best to purchase them locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils that have moderately acidic pH, and sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is another type of coffee bean. It was originally classified as a distinct species, but has since been classified as a Liberica variant. These oval-shaped coffee beans are found on large coffee plants that can reach 20 to 30 feet in height at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is sweet and tart, making them a popular option for blends made at home. They are also less heavy on the aroma and caffeine compared to Arabica and Robusta and Robusta, yet they have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular as Arabica and Robusta, despite being the fourth most popular. They were actually thought to be to be a different species of coffee beans Types 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% the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped in the shape of a teardrop and are dark roast coffee beans and mysterious in taste. They're typically used in blends to add extra body and a delicious, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in tropical, warm climates as well as at higher altitudes. They have a slight acidity. If properly brewed and roasted they may have notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee in the world, and is responsible for around 40% of all coffee consumed globally. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder but they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy, woody taste.

After you've learned about the four most popular types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select your ideal coffee. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors pick an arabica or a blend made up of arabica beans and robusta beans.