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

You've probably heard that different types of plants produce distinct flavors. Learn more about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter taste profile, and are often used in blends of coffee to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee worldwide and accounts for 75% of the global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans have a sweeter and less sour flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety of flavor profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee is affected by the conditions under which it is grown and the methods of processing used.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word meaning berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow within bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized by eating fruits. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly all over the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and they are in a position to thrive when exposed to cool temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the main reasons why Arabica is regarded as the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee beans coffee roasters and shops focus on the ethical source of their arabica beans by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create distinctive coffees that are suitable for many brewing methods. Blending can control the aroma, flavor and body, as well as the acidity of coffee. It is generally used to create a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most popular kind of coffee bean around the world. They have a higher caffeine content per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to disease 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 is more robust than the arabica and may grow in less favorable conditions. It can tolerate warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cost-effective crop to grow.

Although it might sound odd however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to make strong coffee beans blends. If you see the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a bag of coffee, it's likely that there's some Robusta in there as well.

Most roasters employ a mixture of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and ensure the quality. To preserve the quality of the flavor, it's crucial to select a top-quality bean from a source you are confident in. The best way to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped that makes them different from other coffee bean varieties. They are characterized by a smell that is floral, fruity and smoky. They are often blended with other coffee bean varieties to provide a more intense, fuller flavor.

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

These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. On the internet, you can purchase the seeds from various sources. However, it's ideal to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils with moderately acidic, and enough annual rainfall.

Excelsa is another type of coffee bean. It was previously classified as a separate species, but has now been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These oval-shaped coffee beans grow on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20-30 feet in height at medium altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both tart and fruity which has made them a popular choice in house blends. They have a milder aroma and higher caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but still possess a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most coveted kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. In fact, they were considered a distinct coffee plant species 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% of the global production of Coffee Bean Company. These beans have a distinctive teardrop-shaped shape and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They are often blended to add extra body and a luscious, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They thrive at higher altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They also have a touch of acidity. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly, they can have notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and is responsible for about 40 percent of the world's coffee. These beans are smaller and more round however they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have earthy and woody overtones.

After having a better understanding of the four most popular varieties of brew, it's time to select the best brew. If you're looking for a silky soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.