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

If you're a fan of coffee you're likely to know that different kinds of beans have distinct flavor profiles. Learn about four of the most widely used varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a variety of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and more tart flavor profile and are often utilized in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of global production. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta, and they come in different flavors. The aroma and taste of coffee is affected by the conditions in which it is grown and the processing methods employed.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word meaning berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout inside bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were invigorated by eating the berries. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly all over the world.

Coffee beans can grow at high altitudes and thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is believed to be the most delicious type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops concentrate on using ethically-sourced arabica beans and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make unique signature coffees that are suitable for a wide range of brewing methods. Blending can control the aroma, taste and body, as well as the acidity of coffee. It is typically preferred to get a consistent and balanced taste that appeals a wide market.

Robusta

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

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

Although it might appear counterintuitive, Robusta beans are often blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you see the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag, it's likely that there's some Robusta in there as well.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and ensure the quality. To preserve the flavor integrity you should select a high quality bean from a trusted source. This can be achieved by purchasing your beans direct from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped, which makes them distinct from other types of coffee beans. They are characterized by a smell that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are paired with other types of coffee beans to provide them with a more rich, more robust taste.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. You can purchase the seeds from various sources. However, it's ideal to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure high-quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile, deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH as well as adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once thought to be a separate species, but is now classified as an alternative to Liberica. These oval-shaped coffee beans are grown on large bulk buy coffee beans plants, which can grow to 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their unique taste is both tart and sour, which makes them a popular choice for house blends. They have a more subtle flavor and lower caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but they do possess a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most popular kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were regarded as a distinct coffee plant species until 2006 when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. These days, they're mostly grown in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee bean company. The coffee beans have the shape of a teardrop and are dark and mysterious in taste. They're typically used in blends to add body and a delicious, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are renowned for having a more sweetness. They thrive at higher altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They have a slight acidity. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly they can be flavored like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second only to Arabica and is responsible for about 40 percent of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder but they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy, woody flavor.

Now that you've learned the four most commonly used types of coffee beans manchester beans and the four most popular types of bulk buy coffee beans beans, it's time to select the perfect coffee. If you're looking for a smooth mild flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.