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

If you're a coffee lover you're likely aware that different varieties of beans have distinct flavor profiles. Find out more about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a type Liberica which is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and more tart flavor profile and are often added to coffee blends to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica is the most well-known coffee in the world and accounts for 75% of the world's coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta and come in different flavors. The aroma and taste of a particular coffee beans in bulk can vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and processing methods employed to produce it.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats were energy-rich after eating these berries, and that the cultivation of coffee soon was a global phenomenon.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and are capable of flourishing when exposed to cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is believed to be the best tasting kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner by focusing on fair wages for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that can be used in various methods of brewing. Blending can control the aroma, flavor and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is generally utilized to create a consistent and balanced flavor that is appealing to a broad audience.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean grown across the globe. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are antioxidants naturally found in. However, these acids could cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and may produce undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica, able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more good coffee beans per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a cost effective crop to grow.

While it might seem contradictory Robusta beans are typically combined with arabica to create coffee blends. If you see names like Uganda or Kenya on the luxury coffee beans bags it's possible that there's also some robusta.

Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans but the majority do mix the two varieties to cut costs and maintain the quality. To preserve the flavor integrity, you should choose a high quality bean from a trusted source. This can be achieved by purchasing the beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped that makes them different from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinctive scent that is floral and fruity with smoky undertones. They are paired with other types of coffee bean suppliers beans to give them a more rounded, more robust taste.

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

These qualities make them perfect for home cultivation. The seeds can be found online from a number of sources, however it's best to buy locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The best growing conditions for Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH as well as adequate annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once considered a distinct species, but has been re-classified as a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans are oval-shaped and are grown on large coffee plants that can reach 20 to 30 feet in height at medium altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both fruity and tart that has made them a popular choice for blends in house. They are also lighter in aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta and Robusta, yet they possess a unique richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as widely used as Arabica and Robusta, although they're fourth popular. They were considered to be to be a different species of coffee until 2006 when they were reclassified to become a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. These days, they're mostly grown in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans are shaped as a teardrop and possess a dark, mysterious taste. These beans are commonly utilized to give blends extra body and a rich tart taste of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They thrive in tropical and warm climates as well as at higher altitudes. They have a little acidity. When roasted and brewed properly they may be flavored with notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee in the world and accounts for about 40% of the coffee consumed around the world. Robusta beans are more round and smaller, yet contain twice as much caffeine than Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have earthy and woody undertones.

Now that you know the four most popular types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select the perfect cup. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors go for an arabica bean to cup coffee beans or a blend made up of arabica beans and robusta beans.