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

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

Excelsa beans, a type Liberica is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity, tarter taste profile and are often utilized in blends of beans to give them added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee Beans Types worldwide with 75% of all global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in flavor than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavour profiles. The flavor and aroma of 500g coffee beans can be affected by the conditions in the conditions it is grown and the processing methods employed.

The word “coffee” is derived from the Arabic word that means berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow within bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were more energetic after eating the fruit, and the cultivation of coffee quickly was a global phenomenon.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and are capable of flourishing in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is considered to be the best tasting kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on ethical sourcing of arabica beans, with a focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique signature coffees that are suitable for many different brewing techniques. Blending gives control over the taste, aroma, body and acidity of coffee. It is typically preferred to get an even and consistent taste that is appealing to a broad audience.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most widely used type of coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are antioxidants that naturally occur. However, these acids may cause oxidation during the coffee brewing process 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 withstand warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant and grows more quickly than arabica. This makes it a more cost effective crop to grow.

Although it may sound contradictory the fact is that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended together to create coffee blends. If you notice the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag and you can be sure that there’s some robusta in there too.

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs and ensure quality. In order to preserve the quality of the flavor, it is essential to select a top-quality beans from a source you trust. This can be achieved by purchasing your beans direct from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped, which makes them distinct from other coffee bean types. They are characterized by a smell that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are often paired with other coffee bean varieties to provide a fuller, more robust flavor.

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

These qualities make them perfect for home-growing. It is possible to purchase the seeds on the internet from several sources, but it is preferred to purchase them from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously thought to be a separate species, but has been re-classified as a variation of Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on large 20 to 30-foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. Their distinctive flavor is tart and sour, which makes them a popular choice for blends made at home. They have a milder scent and a lower caffeine content that is less than Arabica or Robusta however they have a unique depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they’re the fourth-most popular kind of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren’t as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually considered to be a different species of coffee up until 2006, at which point they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the world’s production of coffee. These coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape, and an eerie, dark taste. These beans are often used to give blends additional body and a tangy taste of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are by far the most expensive coffee beans sought-after and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They grow best at high altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They have a little acidity. When roasted and brewed correctly, they can have notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee worldwide, and accounts for about 40% of all coffee consumed in the world. Robusta beans are smaller and more round however, they contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have woody and earthy undertones.

After you’ve learned about the four most expensive coffee beans commonly used types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it’s time to select your perfect brew. If you want a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.