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

If you're a lover of coffee, you likely already know that different varieties of beans can produce different flavors. Read on to learn about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

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

Arabica

Arabica is the world's most popular coffee and accounts for 75% of all global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are sweeter and less acidic than Robusta and come in different flavour profiles. The taste and aroma components of a cup of coffee can differ in a wide range depending on the cultivation conditions and methods of processing employed to make it.

The word 'coffee' actually originates from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are fruit seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized after eating these fruits. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly all over the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes and are capable of thriving in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons for why Arabica is regarded as the best tasting coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops focus on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that are suitable for many different brewing techniques. Blending allows control over the aroma, taste, body and acidity of coffee. It is usually used to create an even and consistent taste that is appealing to a broad audience.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean cultivated worldwide. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to pests and disease. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation in the coffee brewing and produce undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica, able to grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and coffeee produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective crop to grow.

Although it might appear counterintuitive Robusta beans are typically mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee bag and you can be sure 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. To preserve the flavor integrity you must select the best quality beans from a trusted source. The best way to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football, which makes them different from other coffee beans. They have a smell that is floral, fruity and smoky. They are often blended with other coffee beans to give a more intense, fuller flavor.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for coffeee growing at home. The seeds can be found online from many sources, however it's recommended to purchase from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The best growing conditions for Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils with a moderately acidic pH and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered to be a separate species but was later re-classified to be a variant of Liberica. The coffee beans that are oval in shape are found on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20 to 30 feet in height at medium altitudes. Their distinctive flavor is tart and sour, Coffeee which makes them a popular option for blends made at home. They are also less heavy on scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still possess a unique richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta even though they are the fourth most popular. They were actually thought to be an entirely different species of coffee up until 2006, when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans are shaped like a teardrop and possess a dark, eerie taste. They are often blended to give extra body and a luscious tart, ripe fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most well-known, and are well-known for their the most delicious taste. They thrive best at high altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They also have a touch of acidity. If properly roasted and brewed they can be a bit sweet with hints of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.

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

After learning about the four most common types of brew, it's time to pick your favorite drink. If you're looking for a smooth mild flavor, go for an arabica or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.