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

You probably already know that different varieties can produce different flavors. Find out more about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica which is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter taste profile, and are often added to blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee worldwide and accounts for 75% of the world's coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta. They also come in different flavors. The taste and aroma components of a coffee may vary widely depending on the growing conditions and methods of processing employed to make it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word meaning the berry. coffee beans online beans are actually seeds that sprout in bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energy-rich after eating these berries, and the cultivation of coffee quickly began to spread throughout the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and they are capable of thriving when exposed to cool temperatures and plenty of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is considered to be the most delicious kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on ethical sourcing of arabica beans, with a focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique coffees that can be used in different brewing methods. Blending gives you control over the aroma, flavor, body, and acidity of the coffee and is often preferred in order to achieve an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean grown across the globe. They have more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. However, these acids could cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and could result in unpleasant flavors.

The plant is more robust than the arabica and may grow in less favorable environments. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a economically viable crop to cultivate.

While it might seem contradictory it's true that Robusta beans are often blended with arabica to make coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags it's likely that there's also some robusta.

While some roasters use exclusively arabica beans, most do a mix of the two varieties in order to cut costs and ensure quality. In order to preserve the quality of the flavor, it is essential to choose a high-quality beans from a source you are confident with. The best method to do 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 types of coffee beans. They have a scent that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are paired with other coffee bean types to give them a more rounded and more robust taste.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. Online, you can purchase seeds from numerous sources. However, it is recommended to purchase the beans from local producers in order to guarantee quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH as well as adequate annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different variety of Coffee beans types bean. It was previously classified as a separate species, but it has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on 20-30-foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for blends made at home. They are also lighter in flavor and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still possess a unique taste.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth-most popular type of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were considered to be a separate coffee plant species until 2006 when they were classified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. These days, they're mostly grown in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's coffee production. These beans have a distinctive teardrop shape, and a dark, mysterious flavor. These beans are often used to give blends more body and a tangy taste of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are known for having more sweetness. They thrive in tropical and warm environments and at high altitudes. They also have a little of acidity. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly they may impart notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is an extremely close second to Arabica and makes up about 40 percent of the world's beans. Robusta is rounder and smaller, yet they contain more caffeine than Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties, and tend 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 ideal coffee. If you're looking for a silky mild flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.