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

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

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

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee in the world, making up 75% of the world's coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are milder and have a sweeter flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee may vary significantly based on the growing conditions and processing methods used to make it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word that means berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow within bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were stimulated after eating these berries, and the cultivation of coffee soon became widespread across the globe.

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

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on sourcing their arabica beans ethically, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique coffees that are suitable for many different brewing techniques. Blending allows for control over the flavour, aroma and body as well as the acidity of the coffee and is often preferred in order to achieve an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most widely used type of coffee bean cultivated worldwide. They contain more caffeine 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 during the coffee brewing process and can cause undesirable flavors.

The plant is more robust than the arabica and is able to be grown in less favorable climates. It can tolerate higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant, and it grows faster than arabica. This makes it a cost effective crop to grow.

Although it might seem odd it's true that Robusta beans are often mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you notice the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee bag, it's likely that there's some robusta as well.

The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and preserve quality. To preserve the flavor integrity you must select the best quality beans from a trusted source. This can be achieved by buying your beans directly from a farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is similar to a football, which makes them different from other types of coffee beans price beans. They have a unique aroma that is fruity and floral with subtle smoky undertones. They are added to other coffee bean types to give them a more rounded, more robust taste.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for home-growing. Online, you can purchase the seeds from many sources. However, it's best to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure the highest quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils that have moderately acidic pH, and adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered a distinct species, but is now classified as an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans are oval-shaped and are found on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their unique flavor is tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for blends in the home. They are also lighter on flavor and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta, but still possess a unique depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee Beans Types beans aren't as widely used as Arabica and Robusta, despite being the fourth most popular. In fact they were regarded as distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were classified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped like teardrops and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They're typically used in blends to provide extra body and a delicious tart, ripe fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most popular, and are renowned for their an apricot-like flavor. They grow best at high altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They also have a hint of acidity. If properly brewed and roasted they may have notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and makes up about 40% of the world's coffee. Robusta is rounder and smaller, but they have more caffeine than Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have earthy and woody undertones.

Now that you've learned the four most common types of coffee beans, it's time to choose your perfect brew. If you're looking for a silky and delicate taste, go for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.