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

If you're a unroasted coffee beans wholesale lover, you likely already know that different beans produce varying flavor profiles. Learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a variety of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter flavor, and are often used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most well-known coffee in the world accounting for 75% of the global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are milder and have a sweeter flavor than Robusta and come in a variety profiles. The taste and aroma components of a cup of coffee can differ widely depending on the growing conditions and methods of processing employed to make it.

The word "coffee" comes from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats became stimulated after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of coffee quickly was a global phenomenon.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and are able to thrive when exposed to cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is believed to be the most delicious type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on ethical sourcing of arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees that work well with many different brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the flavour, aroma as well as body and acidity of the coffee. It is usually preferred to create a balanced and consistent taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean cultivated worldwide. They have 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 coffee beans in bulk brewing process and may result in undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica and may grow in less favorable environments. It can withstand warmer temperatures and does well in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee beans for sale per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective crop to cultivate.

While it may seem counterintuitive, Robusta coffeee beans are often combined with arabica to create coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags, it's possible that there is also some robusta.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to reduce costs and ensure quality. In order to preserve the integrity of the flavor, it is essential to choose a high-quality bean from a source you are confident in. This can be done by purchasing the beans directly from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped and are therefore distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have a smell that is floral, fruity and smokey. They are often added to other types of coffee beans to give them a richer, more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They can grow in low altitudes and can 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 a number of sources, however it's recommended to purchase locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils with moderately acidic and adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered to be a separate species but was later re-classified to be a variant of Liberica. The coffee beans that are oval in shape are grown on large coffee plants that can reach 20 to 30 feet in height at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is tart and sour, making them a popular choice for blends in the home. They have a less pronounced aroma and higher caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta but they still have a unique depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as widely used as Arabica and Robusta even though they are the fourth most popular. In fact they were considered to be a distinct coffee plant species until 2006 when they were reclassified to an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. These days, they're mostly grown in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. The beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and carry an intriguing dark flavor. They are typically used to give blends more body and a tangy taste of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are renowned for having a the most delicious taste. They thrive in tropical, warm climates and high altitudes. They also have a bit of acidity. When properly roasted and brewed they can be a bit sweet with hints of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee in the world, and is responsible for 40% of all coffee consumed globally. Robusta beans are smaller and more round, but have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy, woody taste.

Once you've mastered the four most common types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans near me beans, it's time to select your perfect brew. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor pick an arabica or a blend made up of arabica beans and robusta beans.