Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
If you’re a lover of coffee you’re likely aware that different types of beans can produce different flavors. Find out about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica which is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter flavor profile, and are often added to coffee blends to add depth.
Arabica
Arabica is the world’s most popular coffee accounting for 75% of global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are milder and have a sweeter taste than Robusta, and come in a variety of flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of a particular coffee can vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and the processing methods used to produce it.
The word “coffee” is derived from the Arabic word meaning berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were more energetic after eating the berries, and that the cultivation of coffee soon began to spread throughout the world.
Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and are capable of thriving in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons that Arabica is considered to be the most delicious coffee.
Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on ethical sourcing of arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make distinctive coffees that work well with many methods of brewing. Blending is a way to control the aroma, flavor as well as body and acidity of the organic coffee beans and is usually preferred to create a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market.
Robusta
Robusta beans are the second most sought-after type of coffee bean in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acid, which are antioxidants found naturally. These acids can cause oxidation during the coffee’s brewing process and cause undesirable flavors.
The plant itself is more durable than arabica and is able to grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate higher temperatures and does well in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows more quickly than arabica. This makes it a more efficient crop to grow.
Although it may sound contradictory, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you see the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a bag of coffee then it’s likely that there’s a bit of robusta too.
Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority use mix the two varieties to cut costs and preserve the quality. To preserve the flavor integrity you should select the highest quality beans from a trusted source. The best method to do this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football, which makes them different from other types of coffee beans. They have a unique aroma that is floral and fruity with subtle smoky undertones. They are often added to other bean to cup coffee beans varieties to provide a more intense, fuller flavor.
Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They can grow in low altitudes and withstand humid, hot climates. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta.
These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. You can purchase seeds online from many sources, but it’s preferred to purchase them from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica top rated coffee beans are fertile deep volcano soils, with moderately acidic, and enough annual rainfall.
Excelsa is another type of coffee bean. It was previously classified as a distinct species, but has now been classified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on large 20-30-foot coffee plants that are located at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is sweet and tart, making them a popular choice for blends made at home. They are also less pronounced in scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still have an unusual taste.
Excelsa
Although they’re the fourth most coveted kind of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren’t quite as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were regarded as distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were changed to a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Currently, they’re cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world’s production of coffee bean suppliers. These beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and carry a dark, mysterious taste. They’re often used in blends to provide extra body and a full tart, ripe fruit flavor.
Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are known for their sweeter taste. They grow best at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They also have a hint of acidity. When roasted and brewed properly they may have notes of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.
Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and makes up around 40 percent of the world’s coffee. These beans are rounder and smaller, but contain more caffeine than Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two types and have an earthy and woody taste.
Once you’ve mastered the four most common types of coffee beans you can now choose your ideal coffee. If you’re looking to enjoy a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.