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

You've probably heard that different types of plants 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 more fruity and tarter taste profile, and are often added to coffee blends to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of the global production. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta and come in different flavors. The flavor and aroma of coffee can be affected by the conditions in which it is grown and the processing methods used.

The word "expensive coffee beans" actually derives from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized after eating these berries. The cultivation of coffee spread quickly around the world.

amazon coffee beans beans can be grown at high altitudes and flourish with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is thought to be the most delicious type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on the ethical source of arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique coffees, which are suitable for a variety of brewing methods. Blending can be used to control the flavour, aroma as well as body and acidity of the strong coffee beans and is typically preferred to create a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most widely used type of coffee bean grown across the globe. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids that are antioxidants naturally found in. However, these acids could cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and could result in unpleasant flavors.

The plant is more robust than the arabica and can grow in less favorable conditions. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cheaper crop to grow.

Although it might appear counterintuitive, Robusta beans are often blended with arabica to make coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee beans types bag it's possible that there's also some robusta.

Although some roasters only use arabica beans but the majority do mix the two varieties to cut costs and ensure the quality. To ensure the quality of the flavor, it is essential to select a top-quality bean from a source you can trust. This can be achieved by purchasing the beans directly from a farmer.

Liberica

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

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

These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. It is possible to purchase the seeds online from many sources, but it is best to purchase them from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH as well as adequate annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered a distinct species, but has been re-classified as a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on 20-30 foot coffee plants at medium altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both tart and fruity which makes them a popular choice for blends in house. They have a less pronounced aroma and caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta but they still possess a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most popular type of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't quite as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were regarded as distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Currently, they're cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans are shaped in the shape of teardrops and have a dark, mysterious taste. They're typically used in blends to provide extra body and a delicious, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most popular and are known for having the most delicious taste. They thrive in tropical and warm environments and at high altitudes. They are slightly acidic. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly they can be flavored like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee around the world. It is responsible for 40% of all coffee consumed globally. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder however they 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.

Once you've mastered the four most popular types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select your ideal coffee. If you prefer an elegant and delicate taste, choose an arabica bean or a blend of arabica beans and robusta beans.