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

You probably already know that different types of coffee beans of plants produce different flavors. Find out about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity, tarter taste profile and are often used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee worldwide and accounts for 75% of the coffee bean shop world's coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are milder and have a sweeter flavor than Robusta and come in a variety of flavour profiles. The taste and aroma components of a particular coffee can vary significantly based on the growing conditions and processing methods used to produce it.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are fruit seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats became energy-rich after eating these fruits, and the cultivation of coffee quickly spread across the world.

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 considered to be the most delicious coffee beans types.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops insist on sourcing their arabica beans ethically by focusing on fair compensation for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create distinctive coffees that are suitable for a wide range of brewing methods. Blending gives you control over the aroma, flavor, body, and acidity of the coffee and is usually preferred to create a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee beans types bean grown in the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against diseases and pests. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acid, which are antioxidants that naturally occur. These acids can cause oxidation during the brewing process of coffee and create undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica, able thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective plant to grow.

Although it may sound contradictory however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag it's possible that there's also some robusta.

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority of roasters use blend both varieties to lower cost and maintain quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor it is recommended to select the best quality beans from a trusted source. The best way to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped, which makes them distinct from other coffee bean types. They have a unique aroma that is fruity and floral with smoky undertones. They are often added to other coffee bean varieties to provide a fuller, more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans can be found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They are adaptable to humid, hot conditions and can be grown at low altitudes. They are also more resistant to diseases than Arabica or Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. You can purchase seeds on the internet from several sources, however it's preferred to purchase them from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions to grow Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils, with a pH that is moderately acidic and adequate annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered to be a separate species but is now classified as a variation of Liberica. These oval-shaped coffee beans grow on large unroasted coffee beans wholesale plants, which can grow to 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. They have a distinctive taste that is both fruity and tart which has made them a preferred selection in blends for house. They have a less pronounced aroma and higher caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta however they have a distinct flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most sought-after kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite as easily accessible as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually considered distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the world's production of bulk coffee beans. These coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and have a dark, mysterious taste. They're typically used in blends to give extra body and a rich, tart, ripened fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are renowned for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in warm, tropical environments and at high altitudes. They have a little acidity. If properly brewed and roasted they may impart notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee around the world. It accounts for about 40% of all coffee consumed globally. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder however, they contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two types and have a woody, earthy taste.

After having a better understanding of the four most common types you can now select your favorite brew. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor, choose an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.