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

If you're a coffee lover you're likely aware that different varieties of beans have different flavor profiles. Learn more about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a type Liberica which is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter flavor, and are often added to coffee blends to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of the global production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta. They also come in different flavour profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee can be affected by the conditions under which it is grown and the methods of processing used.

The word 'coffee' actually comes from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats became energy-rich 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 capable of thriving in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the reasons for why Arabica is considered to be the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on sourcing their arabica beans Ethically Sourced 1kg House Blend Coffee Beans by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make distinctive coffees that work well with many different brewing methods. Blending gives control over the taste, aroma and body, as well as the acidity of Coffee beans types. It is usually utilized to create a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals to a broad market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most sought-after type of coffee bean around the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids that are antioxidants naturally found in. These acids can cause oxidation in the coffee's brewing process and cause undesirable flavors.

The plant is more resilient than the arabica and can be grown in less favorable climates. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and does well in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cheaper 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.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs and maintain quality. In order to preserve the quality of the flavor, it's essential to select a top-quality bean from a source that you can trust. The best method to achieve this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is similar to a football which is what makes them distinct from other coffee beans. They have a scent that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are added to other coffee bean types to give them a more rounded and more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They are well-adapted to humid, hot climates and can thrive at low altitudes. They also have a much more resistant to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These characteristics make them ideal for home-growing. On the internet, you can purchase the seeds from many sources. However, it's ideal to purchase the beans from local producers to guarantee quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee include fertile, deep volcano soils with moderately acidic and sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different type of coffee bean. It was once classified as a distinct species, but has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on 20 to 30 feet coffee plants at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is sweet and tart, making them a popular option for blends made at home. They are also less heavy on aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still have a distinct richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta although they're fourth popular. In fact, they were considered a separate coffee plant species until 2006 when they were changed to a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Nowadays, they're grown mostly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's coffee production. These coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and carry a dark, mysterious flavor. They are frequently used to give blends more body and a rich, tart taste of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They thrive in tropical and warm environments and at high altitudes. They have a slight acidity. If properly brewed and roasted they can be flavored like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is an extremely close second to Arabica and makes up around 40% of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder however they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have woody and earthy undertones.

After learning about the four most common types and their characteristics, it's time to select the best brew. If you prefer an elegant and delicate taste pick an arabica or a blend comprised of robusta beans and arabica beans.