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

You've probably heard that different types produce different flavors. Learn more about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter taste profile and are frequently used in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the world's most popular coffee with 75% of all global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in flavor than Robusta and come in a variety of flavour profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee can be affected by the conditions under the conditions it is grown and the processing methods used.

The word "coffee" actually derives from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats became energy-rich after eating these berries, and the cultivation of coffee soon was a global phenomenon.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and thrive with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons for why Arabica is considered to be the best tasting coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on ethically sourced arabica beans, focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create distinctive coffees that are suitable for a wide range of methods of brewing. Blending is a way to control the aroma, flavor and body as well as the acidity of the coffee and is usually preferred to achieve an even and consistent taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most popular type of coffee bean in the world. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to pests and disease. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are antioxidants naturally found in. These acids can cause oxidation in the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.

The plant is more robust than the arabica and can grow in less favorable conditions. It can withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows more quickly than arabica. This makes it a more economical crop to cultivate.

Although it might appear counterintuitive, Robusta beans are often blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a bag of coffee it's likely there's some robusta as well.

Although some roasters only use arabica beans, the majority of roasters use combine the two varieties to reduce cost and maintain the quality. In order to preserve the integrity of the flavor, it is essential to choose a high-quality bean from a supplier you trust. The best method to do this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped which distinguishes them from other coffee bean types. They have a distinct aroma that is floral and fruity with subtle smoky undertones. They are often added to other beans to give a fuller, more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They can be grown at low altitudes, and they can tolerate humid, hot climates. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta.

These attributes make them ideal to grow at home. The seeds can be found on the internet from a variety of sources, however it's best to purchase them from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic, and enough annual rainfall.

Excelsa is another type of coffee bean. It was previously classified as a distinct species, but has been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on 20 to 30-foot coffee plants that are located at medium altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both tart and fruity, which has made them a preferred choice in house blends. They are also lighter in aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta and Robusta, yet they have an unusual richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most popular type of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were considered to be an individual species of coffee plant until 2006 when they were reclassified to a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the global production of coffee. These beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and have an intriguing dark flavor.  www.coffeee.uk  used in blends to give extra body and a full tart, ripe fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are known for their sweeter taste. They grow best at high altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They also have a bit of acidity. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly they can be flavored like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most sought-after coffee worldwide, and accounts for about 40% of all coffee consumed worldwide. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, but they have 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 know the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select the perfect coffee. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor pick an arabica or a blend comprised of robusta beans and arabica beans.