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

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

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier, more tart flavor profile and are often used in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee worldwide and accounts for 75% of the global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta, and they come in different flavour profiles. The flavor and coffee Bean suppliers (Keep Reading) aroma of coffee are influenced by the conditions under the conditions in which it grows and the processing methods employed.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word for berry and expensive coffee beans beans are fruit seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats became energized after eating these berries, and the cultivation of coffee quickly began to spread throughout the world.

Coffee beans can grow at high altitudes and thrive in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons why Arabica is considered to be the best tasting coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on the ethical sourcing of arabica beans, with a focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create distinctive coffees that can be used in various brewing methods. Blending can be used to control the aroma, flavor, body, and acidity of the coffee and is frequently preferred to create an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

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

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

While it might seem contradictory Robusta beans are frequently blended with arabica to make 500g coffee beans blends. If you notice the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag, it's likely that there's a bit of robusta too.

Although some roasters only use arabica beans, most do combine the two varieties to cut cost and maintain the good quality coffee beans. To preserve the integrity of flavor you must select an excellent bean from a trusted source. The best way to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped which distinguishes them from other coffee bean varieties. They are characterized by a smell that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are added to other coffee bean types to give them a deeper and more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are available in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They are tolerant of hot, humid climates and can thrive at low altitudes. They also have a better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These characteristics make them ideal for home-growing. You can find the seeds on the internet from several sources, however it's preferred to purchase them from local producers to guarantee the good quality coffee beans of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH as well as adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously 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 beans types (extra resources) plants that are situated at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is sweet and tart, making them a popular option for blends made at home. They have a more subtle scent and a lower caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta but they do have a distinct flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most coveted kind of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't as easily accessible as Arabica or Robusta. In fact, they were considered distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were changed to an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the global production of coffee. These beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and have a dark, mysterious taste. They are typically utilized to give blends extra body and a sweet tart flavor of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They thrive in tropical and warm climates and high altitudes. They also have a bit of acidity. When roasted and brewed properly they may be flavored with notes of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee worldwide, and is responsible for around 40% of all coffee consumed in the world. Robusta beans are more round and smaller, yet they contain twice as much caffeine than Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two types and have an earthy, woody taste.

After you've learned about the four most common types and their characteristics, it's time to pick your favorite drink. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth mild flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.