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

If you're a lover of coffee, you likely already know that different varieties of beans produce varying flavor profiles. Find out about four of the most widely used varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are one of the varieties of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity, tarter flavor profile and are frequently used in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee worldwide with 75% of all global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta and come in a variety of flavour profiles. The taste and aroma components of a cup of coffee can differ significantly based on the growing conditions and the processing methods used to make it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word that means berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout within bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized after eating these berries, and that the cultivation of coffee quickly became widespread across the globe.

Coffee beans can thrive at high altitudes and flourish in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the main reasons why Arabica is regarded as the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee beans coffee shops and roasters concentrate on ethical sourcing of arabica beans, with a focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to make unique signature coffees that can be used in many different methods of brewing. Blending can be used to control the aroma, flavor, body, and acidity of the coffee and is often preferred in order to achieve an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most coveted kind of coffee bean in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against diseases and pests. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids can cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and may produce undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica, able grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective plant to grow.

While it may seem counterintuitive it's true that Robusta beans are often blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you notice the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a bag of coffee it's likely there's a bit of robusta as well.

While some roasters use exclusively arabica beans but the majority do combine the two varieties in order to cut cost and maintain the quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor you must select an excellent bean 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 makes them distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinctive scent that is fruity and floral with subtle smoky undertones. They are added to other types of coffee beans to give them a deeper and more robust taste.

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

These attributes make them ideal for home cultivation. You can find the seeds online from a number of sources, however it is preferred to purchase them locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils, with a pH that is 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 are ovals that grow on 20 to 30 feet coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both fruity and tart which has made them a sought-after choice in house blends. They have a more subtle aroma and higher caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but they still have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta, yet they're the fourth most popular. They were actually considered distinct species of coffee up until 2006, when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Today, they're grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped like teardrops and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They are typically used to give blends additional body and a tangy taste of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They thrive in tropical and warm environments and at high altitudes. They have a little acidity. When roasted and brewed correctly they may have notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee worldwide, and is responsible for around 40% of all coffee consumed globally. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, yet they contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two varieties and have a woody, earthy taste.

Once you've mastered the four most commonly used types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select your ideal coffee. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors opt for an arabica or a blend of arabica beans and robusta beans.