Keira Estevez

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

If you're a lover of coffee you're likely aware that different varieties of beans have different flavor profiles. Learn more about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier, tarter taste profile and are often used in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of all global production. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta, and they come in different flavour profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee are influenced by the conditions in which it is grown and the processing methods employed.

The word 'coffee' actually comes 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 berries. The cultivation of coffee spread quickly across the globe.

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

Many specialty amazon coffee beans shops and roasters concentrate on using ethically-sourced arabica beans by focusing on fair compensation for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make unique coffees that are suitable for various methods of brewing. Blending can be used to control the flavour, aroma, body, and acidity of the coffee. It is typically preferred to create a balanced and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most coveted type of coffee bean in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids could cause oxidation during the process of brewing coffee beans delivery and may produce undesirable flavors.

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

Although it may sound contradictory, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended together to create coffee blends. If you notice the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya listed on a bag of coffee and you can be sure that there's a bit of robusta as well.

While some roasters use exclusively arabica beans, the majority use mix the two varieties in order to cut costs and maintain quality. To maintain the quality of the flavor, it is essential to select a high-good quality coffee beans bean from a source you trust. This can be accomplished by purchasing the beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped and are therefore distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have a scent that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are paired with other coffee bean types to give them a more rounded and more robust taste.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. You can purchase the seeds from many sources. However, it's best to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure the highest quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils that have a pH that is moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different kind of coffee bean. It was initially classified as a distinct species, but has been classified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on 20-30 foot coffee plants at medium altitudes. Their distinctive taste is tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for house blends. They have a lighter aroma and caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta however they possess a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as widely used as Arabica and Robusta, yet they're the fourth most popular. In fact they were considered to be a separate coffee plant species until 2006 when they were classified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Today, they're grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans are shaped like a teardrop and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They're frequently used in blends to add body and a rich, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive at higher altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They have a little acidity. When roasted and brewed correctly they can be flavored like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second only to Arabica and accounts for around 40 percent of the world's coffee beans types. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder but they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two varieties and have a woody, earthy taste.

After you've learned about the four most common types of brew, it's time to pick your favorite drink. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor, choose an arabica bean, or a blend consisting of robusta and arabica beans.