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

You probably already know that different types of plants produce different flavors. Read on to learn about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a variety of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, more tart flavor profile and are often used in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee in the world and accounts for 75% of global coffee bean production. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety of flavor profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee are affected by the conditions in the conditions in which it grows and the methods of processing used.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word meaning berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout in bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were stimulated by eating these fruit berries. The cultivation of light roast coffee beans grew quickly across the globe.

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

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops focus on using ethically-sourced arabica beans by focusing on fair compensation for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make unique signature coffees that work well with many different brewing methods. Blending allows control over the aroma, flavor and body of the coffee. It is typically preferred to get a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean cultivated worldwide. They have a higher caffeine content per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to pests and disease. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. However, these acids can cause oxidation in the coffee beans Types brewing process and could result in unpleasant flavors.

The plant is more resilient than the arabica and may thrive in less favorable conditions. 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 plant to grow.

While it may sound counterintuitive however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you see the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a bag of coffee it's likely there's a bit of robusta as well.

Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority of roasters use blend the two varieties to reduce cost and maintain quality. To preserve the flavor integrity it is recommended to select the best quality beans from a trusted source. The best way to achieve this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped, which makes them distinct from other varieties of coffee beans. They have an aroma that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are often blended with other coffee bean varieties to add an extra, stronger flavor.

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

These qualities make them ideal for home-growing. It is possible to purchase the seeds on the internet from several sources, however it is best to bulk buy coffee beans from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils that have a pH that is moderately acidic and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once thought to be a separate species, but has been re-classified as an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that are grown on large 20 to 30-foot coffee plants that are located at medium roast coffee beans altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both fruity and tart and has made them a preferred option in blends made by home. They are also lighter on scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta however they still have a distinctive richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta yet they're the fourth most popular. They were actually considered an entirely different species of coffee until 2006, when they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Today, they're grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. These beans are distinctive with a teardrop-shaped shape and possess an intriguing dark flavor. They're frequently used in blends to give extra body and a full, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in tropical and warm climates and high altitudes. They also have a hint of acidity. If they are brewed correctly and medium roast coffee beans properly they may impart notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee around the world. It accounts for about 40% of the coffee consumed worldwide. Robusta is rounder and smaller, yet they contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two types and have an earthy, woody taste.

After having learned about the four most popular varieties and their characteristics, it's time to select the best brew. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors, choose an arabica bean or a blend comprised of arabica beans and robusta beans.