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

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

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is cultivated exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter taste profile, and are often used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the world's most popular coffee, making up 75% of all global coffee bean production. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter taste than Robusta, and come in a variety of flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee can vary widely depending on the growing conditions and methods of processing used to produce it.

The word "coffee" actually derives from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were invigorated by eating the fruits. The cultivation of coffee quickly spread across the globe.

top 10 coffee beans beans can grow at high altitudes and thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is considered to be the best tasting kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on using ethically-sourced arabica beans, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create distinctive coffees that are suitable for various methods of brewing. Blending gives you control over the flavour, aroma and body of the coffee and is frequently preferred to create a balanced and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second-most popular type of coffee bean around the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against diseases and pests. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids may cause oxidation during the process of brewing coffee beans to buy and may result in undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica and is able to grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate higher temperatures and does well in direct sun. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective plant to cultivate.

While it may seem counterintuitive Robusta beans are typically blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags it's possible there is also some robusta.

Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, most do blend the two varieties to cut costs and preserve quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor, you should choose the best good quality coffee beans (Full Posting) beans from a trusted source. The best method to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped which distinguishes them from other coffee bean varieties. They are characterized by a smell that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are often added to other coffee beans to give a fuller, more robust flavor.

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

These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. It is possible to purchase the seeds online from a number of sources, but it is recommended to purchase from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils that have moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally thought to be a separate species, but was later re-classified to be an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that are cultivated on 20 to 30-foot coffee plants that are located at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is sweet and tart, making them a popular option for blends that are house-made. They have a less pronounced aroma and caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta however they possess a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as widely used as Arabica and Robusta, although they're fourth popular. In fact, they were considered a separate coffee plant species until 2006 when they were reclassified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the world's production of coffee. The bulk coffee beans beans have the shape of a teardrop and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They're often used in blends to provide extra body and a luscious, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in tropical, warm environments and at high altitudes. They also have a hint of acidity. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly, they can have notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and is responsible for about 40% of the world's coffee. These beans are rounder and smaller, but contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two varieties and have an earthy and woody taste.

After learning about the four most popular varieties you can now 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.