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

If you're a coffee lover, you likely already know that different varieties of beans have distinct flavor profiles. Read on to learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a type Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter taste profile and are frequently used in blends of beans to give them added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of all global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and less acidic than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavours. The flavor and aroma of coffee is affected by the conditions in which it is grown as well as the processing methods used.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word meaning berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout within bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were energy-rich after eating these fruits, and the cultivation of coffee soon spread across the world.

Coffee beans can flourish at high altitudes and thrive with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is thought to be the most delicious kind of coffee beans types.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on the 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 specialty coffees, which are suitable for many different brewing techniques. Blending allows control over the aroma, flavor and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is usually used to create an even and consistent taste that appeals to a broad market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most popular type of coffee bean in the world. They have more caffeine per bean to cup coffee beans 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 can cause undesirable flavors.

The plant is more resilient than the arabica and is able to thrive in less favorable conditions. 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 efficient crop to grow.

While it may seem counterintuitive, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee bag, it's likely that there's some Robusta in there as well.

While some roasters use exclusively arabica beans, the majority of roasters use blend the two varieties in order to cut costs and ensure the quality. To maintain the integrity of the flavor, it's crucial to select a premium coffee beans beans from a source you are confident with. This can be accomplished by buying your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped and are therefore distinct from other coffee bean varieties. They have a distinctive aroma that is floral and fruity with subtle smoky undertones. They are often added to other coffee beans to give a more intense, fuller flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and 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 characteristics make them ideal for home cultivation. You can find the seeds on the internet from a variety of sources, but it is preferred to purchase them locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic and sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different variety of coffee bean. It was once classified as a separate species, but has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are oval-shaped and are found on large coffee plants that range from 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both fruity and tart, which has made them a preferred selection in blends for house. They have a more subtle flavor and lower caffeine content that is less than Arabica or Robusta but they still have a unique depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most sought-after kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually thought to be an entirely different species of coffee until 2006 when they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the global production of coffee. These coffee beans are shaped in the shape of a teardrop and have a dark, mysterious taste. They are typically used to give blends extra body and a rich, tart taste of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are the most popular, and are well-known for their a sweeter taste. They thrive at higher altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They have a little acidity. If properly roasted and brewed, they can have notes of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee beans Types in the world and is responsible for 40% of the organic coffee beans consumed in the world. Robusta beans are smaller and more round, but have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy and woody taste.

Once you've mastered the four most common types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select your ideal coffee. If you're looking for a smooth and delicate taste, go for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.