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

You probably already know that different types of plants produce distinct flavors. Learn more about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

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

Arabica

Arabica is the world's most popular coffee accounting for 75% of the global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta, and are available in a variety of flavours. The aroma and taste of a coffee may vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and processing techniques used to make it.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow within bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were energized after eating these berries, and that the cultivation of coffee quickly began to spread throughout the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and they are capable of thriving when exposed to cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons why Arabica is considered to be the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on ethical sourcing of arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique coffees, which are suitable for various brewing methods. Blending allows control over the aroma, flavor, body and acidity of coffee. It is typically preferred to achieve a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second-most popular type of coffee bean around the world. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids which are antioxidants that naturally occur. However, these acids may cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and could result in unpleasant flavors.

The plant itself is more durable than arabica, able to grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate higher temperatures and does well in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a economically viable crop to cultivate.

While it may sound counterintuitive however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags it's likely that there's also some robusta.

Most roasters employ a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to reduce costs and ensure quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor, it is essential to select a top-quality bean from a supplier you can trust. This can be done by purchasing your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped which distinguishes them from other types of coffee beans. They have a unique aroma that is fruity and floral with smokey undertones. They are paired with other types of coffee beans (from A 2hosted) to provide them with a more rich and more robust flavor.

Liberica unroasted coffee beans beans can be found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They are well-adapted to humid, hot climates and can thrive at low altitudes. They also have a better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.

These attributes make them ideal to grow at home. On the internet, you can purchase seeds from a variety of sources. However, it's best to purchase the beans from local producers in order to guarantee quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils with moderately acidic and adequate annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different kind of coffee bean. It was previously classified as a separate species, but has now been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are oval-shaped and are found on large coffee plants that can reach 20-30 feet in height at medium roast coffee beans altitudes. Their unique taste is both tart and sour, making them a popular option for blends made at home. They have a milder flavor and lower caffeine content that is less than Arabica or Robusta but they do have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth-most popular kind of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't 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 as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape, and an intriguing dark flavor. These beans are often utilized to give blends extra body and a rich, tart taste of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They thrive at high altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They can be a bit acidic. When properly roasted and brewed they can be a bit sweet with hints of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee around the world. It accounts for about 40% of all coffee consumed in the world. Robusta beans are smaller and more round, but 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.

Now that you've learned the four most popular types of coffee beans sale beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select the perfect cup. If you're looking for a silky, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.