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

You've probably heard that different types of plants produce different flavors. Find out more about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, which are a variety of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and more tart flavor and are often used in blends of coffee for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety profiles. The aroma and taste of a cup of coffee can differ in a wide range depending on the cultivation conditions and the processing methods employed to make 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 were energized after eating these fruits, and the cultivation of coffee beans shop quickly was a global phenomenon.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and are capable of flourishing when exposed to cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons that Arabica is considered to be the best tasting coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on the ethical source of their arabica beans by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that are well-suited for a wide range of methods of brewing. Blending is a way to control the taste, aroma and body, as well as the acidity of coffee. It is generally used to create an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most widely used type of coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They have a higher caffeine content per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to pests and disease. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids that are antioxidants that naturally occur. However, these acids can cause oxidation during the process of brewing coffee and can cause undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more durable than arabica, able to grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and does well in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective crop to cultivate.

While it may sound counterintuitive it's true that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you see names such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag, it's possible that there is also some robusta.

While some roasters use exclusively arabica beans, the majority use blend the two varieties to reduce cost and maintain the good quality coffee beans. To preserve the flavor integrity it is recommended to select an excellent bean from a trusted source. The best way to do this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped, which makes them distinct from other coffee bean varieties. They have a distinct aroma that is floral and fruity with subtle smoky undertones. They are paired with other types of coffee beans to give them a more rounded, more robust taste.

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

These attributes make them ideal for home cultivation. You can purchase seeds online from a number of sources, however it is best to purchase them from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions to grow Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils that have a pH that is moderately acidic and adequate annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different kind of cheap coffee beans bean. It was originally classified as a separate species, but has now been classified as a Liberica variant. These Coffee beans types (imuty.com) beans are elongated ovals that are cultivated on 20-30-foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is tart and sour, making them a popular choice for blends that are house-made. They have a less pronounced flavor and lower caffeine levels than Arabica or Robusta but they still have a distinct flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta yet they're the fourth most popular. 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% the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped like teardrops and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They are often blended to provide extra body and a rich, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They can be a bit acidic. If they are brewed correctly and light roast coffee beans properly they may impart notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second only to Arabica and makes up around 40 percent of the world's beans. These beans are rounder and smaller, but they have more caffeine than Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy and woody taste.

Now that you know the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans you can now choose your perfect brew. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor go for an arabica bean or a blend comprised of robusta and arabica beans.