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

If you're a coffee enthusiast you're likely aware that different beans have distinct flavor profiles. Learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica which is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and more tart flavor profile and are often added to blends of beans to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans shop decaf beans coffee are responsible for 75% of global production. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta, and are available in a variety of flavours. The aroma and taste of a cup of coffee can differ widely depending on the growing conditions and processing techniques employed to produce it.

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 ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats became energy-rich after eating these berries, and that the cultivation of coffee soon was a global phenomenon.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and are capable of thriving when exposed to cool temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the reasons that Arabica is considered to be the best-tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on the ethical sourcing of arabica beans, focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees, which are suitable for different brewing methods. Blending can control the aroma, taste, body and acidity of coffee. It is usually used to create a consistent and balanced taste that appeals a wide market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean grown in the world. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids could cause oxidation during the coffee brewing process and could result in unpleasant flavors.

The plant is more resilient than the arabica, and can thrive in less favorable conditions. It can tolerate higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a cost-effective crop to grow.

While it may seem counterintuitive, Robusta beans are often mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you notice the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag then it's likely that there's a bit of robusta too.

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority use blend the two varieties to cut costs and preserve the quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor it is recommended to select the highest quality beans from a reliable source. The best way to achieve this is to purchase 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 distinctive scent that is floral and fruity with smokey undertones. They are paired with other types of coffee beans to give them a richer and more robust flavor.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. You can purchase seeds from a variety of sources. However, it's recommended to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure quality. The ideal conditions to grow Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils with moderately acidic and adequate annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once thought to be a separate species, but is now classified as a subspecies of Liberica. These coffee beans manchester beans are ovals that grow on large 20-30 foot coffee plants that are located at medium altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both fruity and tart and has made them a preferred choice for blends in house. They are also less pronounced 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 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 changed to an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans types beans are shaped as a teardrop and possess a dark, eerie taste. They are often blended to add body and a delicious, tart, ripened fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most popular, and are renowned for their an apricot-like flavor. They thrive in tropical, warm environments and at high altitudes. They have a little acidity. If properly brewed and roasted, they can have notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most adored coffee worldwide, and accounts for about 40% of the coffee consumed in the world. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder, but have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two varieties and have an earthy and woody taste.

Now that you know the four most popular types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select your ideal coffee. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor opt for an arabica or a blend made up of robusta beans and arabica beans.