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

If you're a fan of Coffee Beans Types, you likely already know that different types of beans have distinct flavor profiles. Learn more about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is cultivated exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter flavor, and are often added to blends of coffee to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica strong coffee beans beans comprise 75% of the global production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta, and come in different flavors. The aroma and taste of coffee is affected by the conditions in which it is grown and the processing methods employed.

The word 'coffee' actually derives from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were stimulated by eating the berries. The cultivation of coffee grew rapidly all over the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes and are in a position to thrive when exposed to cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is considered to be the most delicious type of organic coffee beans.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops concentrate on the ethical source of their arabica beans by focusing on fair compensation for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make distinctive coffees that are suitable for many methods of brewing. Blending gives you control over the aroma, flavor as well as body and acidity of the coffee. It is usually preferred to create a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most coveted type of coffee bean around the world. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation during the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica and may grow in less favorable conditions. It can withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a economically viable crop to cultivate.

Although it might sound odd however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee bag, it's likely that there's some robusta as well.

The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and ensure the quality. To maintain the integrity of the flavor, it's important to select a high-quality bean from a source that you are confident with. The best method to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape like a football, which makes them different from other coffee beans. They have a distinctive aroma that is fruity and floral with smoky undertones. They are often added to other coffee bean varieties to create the 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 withstand humid, hot climates. They also have a better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them perfect for home-growing. The seeds can be found on the internet from a variety of sources, but it's recommended to purchase from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils that have moderately acidic pH as well as adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered a distinct species, but was later re-classified to be an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on large 20 to 30-foot coffee plants at medium roast coffee beans altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both fruity and tart, which has made them a sought-after option in blends made by home. They have a lighter scent and a lower caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta but still have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth-most popular type of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite as easily accessible as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were regarded as distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were reclassified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. These days, they're mostly grown in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee bean company. The coffee beans are shaped like teardrops and have a dark, mysterious taste. They are typically used to give blends extra body and a sweet tart flavor of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are the most popular, and are renowned for their a sweeter taste. They thrive at high altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They are slightly acidic. 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 bean suppliers worldwide, and is responsible for around 40% of all coffee consumed in the world. Robusta is rounder and smaller, but they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy, woody flavor.

After having a better understanding of the four most commonly used types and their characteristics, it's time to pick your favorite drink. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor go for an arabica bean or a blend made up of robusta and arabica beans.