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

If you’re a fan of coffee you’re probably aware that different types of beans produce varying flavor profiles. Learn more about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, more tart flavor and are often utilized in blends of beans to give them added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the world’s most popular coffee and accounts for 75% of the world’s coffee bean production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in flavor than Robusta and are available with a variety of flavor profiles. The taste and aroma components of a coffee can vary significantly based on the growing conditions and processing methods used to produce it.

The word “coffee” originates from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized by eating fruits. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly around the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and they are capable of flourishing 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 ethically sourced arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that can be used in a variety of brewing methods. Blending can control the aroma, flavor, body and acidity of coffee. It is often used to create an even and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They have a higher amount of caffeine 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 could cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and could result in unpleasant flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica, and can thrive in less favorable conditions. It can withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective crop to grow.

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

The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs while maintaining the quality. To preserve the flavor integrity you must select a high quality bean from a trusted source. This can be done by purchasing your beans direct from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is similar to a football, that makes them different from other coffee beans. They have a distinctive scent that is fruity and floral with subtle smoky undertones. They are added to other coffee bean types to give them a more rounded and more robust taste.

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

These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. You can purchase the seeds from many sources. However, it is recommended to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure high-good quality coffee beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered a distinct species, but is now classified as a subspecies of Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on 20 to 30 feet 500g coffee beans plants at moderate altitudes. Their unique flavor is sweet and tart, making them a popular option for blends in the home. They have a milder aroma and caffeine levels than Arabica or Robusta but they still have a unique depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they’re the fourth-most popular kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren’t quite 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 to an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world’s production of coffee bean near me. The beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape, and a dark, mysterious taste. They’re typically used in blends to add extra body and a rich, tart, ripened fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are renowned for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in tropical and warm environments and at high altitudes. They can be a bit acidic. If brewed and roasted correctly they may impart notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee around the world. It is responsible for 40% of all coffee consumed around the world. These beans are smaller and rounder, but 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.

After you’ve learned about the four most commonly used types of coffee beans now is the time to pick the perfect Organic Coffee Beans. If you want a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.