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

If you're a lover of bulk coffee beans you're likely to know that different kinds of beans produce varying flavor profiles. Read on to learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter flavor profile, and are often added to coffee blends to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the world's most popular coffee, making up 75% of global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are milder and have a sweeter flavor than Robusta and come with a variety of flavor profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee are affected by the conditions in which it is grown and the methods of processing used.

The word "cheap coffee beans" is derived from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats were more energetic after eating the fruit, and the cultivation of coffee soon spread across the world.

Coffee beans can flourish at high altitudes, and thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is considered to be the most delicious type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on the ethical sourcing of arabica beans, focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that are suitable for various brewing methods. Blending can be used to control the flavour, aroma and body of the coffee and is frequently preferred 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 grown in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against diseases and pests. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are antioxidants that naturally occur. These acids can cause oxidation in the coffee's brewing process and cause undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica and can grow in less favorable environments. It can withstand warmer temperatures and does well in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee beans types per plant and grows more quickly than arabica. This makes it a efficient crop to grow.

Although it might sound odd the fact is that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you notice the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a bag of coffee then it's likely that there's a bit of robusta too.

The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans to cut costs while maintaining quality. In order to preserve the integrity of the flavor, it's crucial to select a high-quality beans from a source you trust. The best way to do this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football that makes them different from other types of coffee beans. They have an aroma that is floral, fruity and smokey. They are added to other types of coffee beans to provide them with a more rich and more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans are found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They can be grown at low altitudes and can withstand humid, hot climates. They also have a better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. Online, you can buy seeds from a variety of sources. However, it is best to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils, with moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different variety of coffee bean. It was initially classified as a separate species, but has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on large 20-30-foot coffee plants at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both tart and fruity, which has made them a preferred choice in house blends. They have a lighter aroma and higher caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but still possess a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth-most popular kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually thought to be to be a different species of coffee up until 2006, at which point they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans types beans have a distinctive teardrop shape, and an eerie, dark taste. They're typically used in blends to add extra body and a luscious tart, ripe fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive in warm, tropical climates as well as at higher altitudes. They are slightly acidic. If properly brewed and roasted they can be flavored like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most sought-after coffee in the world, and is responsible for 40% of all coffee consumed in the world. Robusta is rounder and smaller, but they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two varieties and have an earthy, woody flavor.

Now that you know the four most commonly used types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select the perfect cup. If you prefer an elegant and delicate taste opt for an arabica, or a blend consisting of robusta beans and arabica beans.