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

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

Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica which is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and more tart flavor profile and are often used in blends of coffee to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in flavor than Robusta and come in a variety of flavour profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee are influenced by the conditions in which it is grown as well as the processing methods used.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop within bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were energized after eating these fruits. The cultivation of coffee grew rapidly around the world.

Coffee beans can flourish at high altitudes and thrive in cold temperatures and plenty 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 concentrate on the ethical sourcing of arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that are suitable for different brewing methods. Blending can control the aroma, flavor and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is typically preferred to achieve an even and consistent taste that appeals a wide market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most sought-after kind of coffee bean in the world. They have 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 may cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and may result in undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica, able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate higher temperatures and does well in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant and grows more quickly than arabica. This makes it a more efficient crop to grow.

While it may seem counterintuitive however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended together to create coffee blends. If you see the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a bag of coffee bean coffee it's likely there's some robusta too.

The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans to cut costs while maintaining quality. To ensure the quality of the flavor, it's important to select a high-quality bean from a supplier you trust. This can be done by purchasing your beans directly from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped, which makes them distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have a unique aroma that is fruity and floral with smoky undertones. They are often added to other types of coffee beans to give them a deeper, more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans can be found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They are resistant to hot, humid climates and can thrive at low altitudes. They also have a much better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.

These characteristics make them ideal for home-growing. Online, you can buy seeds from a variety of sources. However, it's best to buy the beans from local producers to ensure quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is another type of coffee bean. It was originally classified as a distinct species, but has been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on large 20 to 30-foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. Their distinctive taste is tart and sour, making them a popular choice for blends in the home. They have a milder aroma and higher caffeine levels than Arabica or Robusta but they do have a distinct flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta, yet they're the fourth most popular. They were actually considered an entirely different species of coffee up until 2006, when they were reclassified to be 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. The coffee beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and carry a dark, mysterious flavor. They're often used in blends to add body and a luscious, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are renowned for their more sweetness. They thrive at high altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They also have a little of acidity. If brewed and roasted correctly they may impart notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most adored coffee worldwide, and makes up around 40% of the coffee consumed in the world. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder, but have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have woody and earthy undertones.

Now that you know the four most 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 prefer an elegant and delicate taste pick an arabica or a blend made up of arabica beans and robusta beans.