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

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

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and more tart flavor profile and are often added to blends of beans to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee worldwide, making up 75% of global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta and come in various flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee is affected by the conditions under which it is grown as well as the methods of processing used.

The word “coffee” is derived from the Arabic word that means berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were stimulated after eating these fruits, and the cultivation of coffee soon spread across the world.

Coffee beans can grow at high altitudes, and thrive in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons why Arabica is regarded as the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops concentrate on using ethically-sourced arabica beans by focusing on fair wages for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique coffees that can be used in different brewing methods. Blending allows for control over the aroma, flavor and body as well as the acidity of the coffee and is typically preferred to achieve a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

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

The plant is more resilient than the arabica and may grow in less favorable conditions. 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, making it a more cost-effective plant to grow.

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

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority of roasters use combine both varieties to lower cost and maintain quality. To preserve the quality of the flavor, it’s crucial to select a premium bean from a supplier you are confident with. The best method to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica coffeee beans are more or less football-shaped that makes them different from other varieties of coffee beans. They have a unique aroma that is floral and fruity with smokey undertones. They are added to other types of coffee beans to provide them with a more rich and more robust taste.

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

These qualities make them perfect to grow at home. Online, you can purchase the seeds from various sources. However, it’s best to buy the beans from local producers to ensure the highest quality. The ideal conditions to grow Liberica coffee beans near me include fertile deep volcano soils, with a pH that is moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is another type of coffee bean. It was initially classified as a distinct species, but it has since been classified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are oval-shaped and are grown on large coffee plants that range from 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both tart and fruity that has made them a preferred choice for blends in house. They are also less pronounced in aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta and Robusta, yet they have a distinct quality of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren’t as well-known as Arabica and Robusta although they’re fourth popular. They were actually considered distinct species of coffee 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% of the world’s coffee production. The coffee beans are shaped like a teardrop and have a dark roast coffee beans, mysterious taste. They are often blended to add body and a luscious, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most popular and are well-known for their more sweetness. They grow best at high altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They have a little acidity. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly they may impart notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee beans in bulk in the world, and makes up around 40% of all unroasted coffee beans wholesale consumed globally. Robusta is rounder and smaller, but they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties, and tend to have earthy and woody overtones.

Once you’ve mastered the four most common types of coffee beans, it’s time to choose the perfect cup. If you’re looking to enjoy a smooth soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.