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

You probably already know that different types produce different flavors. Learn more about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is 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 coffee beans account for 75% of the world's production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in taste than Robusta, and come in a variety profiles. The taste and aroma components of a coffee may vary widely depending on the growing conditions and processing methods employed to make it.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word that means 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 became stimulated after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of coffee soon began to spread throughout the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and they are in a position to thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the main reasons for why Arabica is considered to be the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on ethically sourced arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique coffees, which are suitable for a variety of brewing methods. Blending gives control over the aroma, flavor and body, as well as the acidity of coffee. It is typically used to create an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of top rated coffee beans bean cultivated worldwide. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also contain more 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 warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows faster than arabica. This makes it a economical crop to cultivate.

While it might seem contradictory Robusta beans are typically blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you see names such as Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee it's possible that there's also some robusta.

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs and maintain quality. To preserve the quality of the flavor, it's essential to select a high-quality bean from a source that you trust. This can be achieved by buying your beans directly from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped, which makes them distinct from other varieties of coffee beans. They have a smell that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are added to other coffee bean types to give them a deeper and more robust taste.

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

These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. Online, you can purchase seeds from a variety of sources. However, it is recommended to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure high-quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils that have moderately acidic, and enough annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different kind of coffee bean. It was originally classified as a distinct species, but has now been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are ovals that are grown on large 20 to 30-foot coffee plants that are situated at medium roast coffee beans altitudes. Their unique flavor is tart and sour, making them a popular option for blends in the home. They are also less heavy on scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta however they still possess a unique richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta, even though they are the fourth most popular. In fact they were regarded as distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were reclassified to an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Today, they're grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's coffee production. These coffee bean shop beans are shaped like a teardrop and possess a dark, eerie taste. They are frequently utilized to give blends extra body and a rich tart taste of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are renowned for their sweeter flavor. They thrive best at high altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They also have a touch of acidity. If brewed correctly and roast they can be a bit sweet with hints of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most adored coffee beans unroasted in the world, and is responsible for 40% of all coffee consumed in the world. These beans are smaller and more round however, they contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have woody and earthy undertones.

Once you've mastered the four most common types of coffee beans Types beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select the perfect coffee. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor opt for an arabica or a blend comprised of robusta and arabica beans.