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 common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a type Liberica which is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter taste profile, and are often used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee worldwide accounting for 75% of the global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are milder and have a sweeter flavor than Robusta. They are available with a variety of flavor profiles. The taste and aroma components of a coffee can vary significantly based on the growing conditions and processing methods employed to produce it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized after eating these berries, and that the cultivation of coffee quickly spread across the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes and are capable of flourishing when exposed to cool temperatures and plenty of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is considered to be the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on the coffee bean shop ethical source of their arabica beans, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique coffees, which can be used in a variety of brewing methods. Blending gives control over the aroma, flavor and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is usually preferred to get an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean cultivated worldwide. They have a higher caffeine content per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids can cause oxidation during the coffee brewing process and may produce undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica, and can thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more top 10 coffee beans per plant, and it grows faster than arabica. This makes it a cost effective crop to grow.

While it may seem counterintuitive the fact is that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you've seen the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya listed on a bag of coffee then it's likely that there's some robusta in there too.

Although some roasters only use arabica beans but the majority do combine the two varieties in order to cut costs and ensure the quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor you should select the highest quality beans from a trusted source. The best method to achieve this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is like a football, that makes them different from other types of coffee beans. They have a unique aroma that is floral and fruity with smoky undertones. They are often added to other coffee bean varieties to add an extra, stronger flavor.

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

These attributes make them ideal to grow at home. You can find the seeds online from many sources, but it is recommended to purchase locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile, deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH, and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once considered a separate species but is now classified as an alternative to Liberica. These barista coffee Beans beans are ovals that grow on 20-30 foot coffee plants at moderate altitudes. Their distinctive flavor is tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for house blends. They are also lighter in scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta, but still have an unusual taste.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth-most popular type of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were regarded as a distinct coffee plant species until 2006 when they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Currently, they're cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's coffee production. These coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop-shaped shape and possess a dark, mysterious taste. These beans are often used to give blends additional body and a rich tart taste of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are the most popular, and are renowned for having a an apricot-like flavor. They thrive in tropical and warm environments and at high altitudes. They are slightly acidic. When roasted and brewed correctly they may impart notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee around the world. It makes up around 40% of the wholesale coffee beans uk consumed globally. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder however, they contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have earthy and woody undertones.

After you've learned about the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to choose your perfect brew. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors opt for an arabica or a blend comprised of arabica beans and robusta beans.