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

If you're a coffee enthusiast you're likely aware that different varieties of beans can produce different flavors. Find out more 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, tarter taste profile and are frequently used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in taste than Robusta, and come in a variety profiles. The taste and aroma components of a particular coffee can vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and methods of processing used to make it.

The word "strong coffee beans" originates from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energy-rich after eating these berries, and the cultivation of coffee soon began to spread throughout the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes and are in a position to thrive when exposed to cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons why Arabica is regarded as the best-tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on ethical sourcing of arabica beans, focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that are suitable for many different brewing methods. Blending can be used to control the aroma, flavor as well as body and acidity of the coffee and is usually preferred to create an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean grown across the globe. They have a higher caffeine content per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to pests and disease. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. However, these acids could cause oxidation during the coffee brewing process and may result in 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 does well in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a cost-effective crop to grow.

Although it may sound contradictory, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee beans bulk buy bag and you can be sure that there's some Robusta in there too.

Although some roasters only use arabica beans, the majority use combine both varieties to lower costs and ensure quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor, you should choose a high quality bean from a trusted source. This can be accomplished by purchasing your beans directly from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped which distinguishes them from other types of coffee beans. They are characterized by a smell that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are often added to other types of coffee beans to give them a deeper and more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are available in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They are tolerant of hot, humid conditions and can be grown at low altitudes. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. Online, you can purchase seeds from a variety of sources. However, it's ideal to purchase the beans from local producers to guarantee quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants include fertile, deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered a separate species but has been re-classified as a variant of Liberica. These oval-shaped coffee beans are found on large coffee plants that reach 20 to 30 feet in height at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is tart and sour, making them a popular option for blends that are house-made. They have a lighter flavor and lower caffeine levels than Arabica or Robusta but they still possess a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta yet they're the fourth most popular. They were actually thought to be a different coffee plant species up until 2006, when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the world's production of coffee. These beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and carry a dark, mysterious taste. They are often blended to add extra body and a rich tart, ripe fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most popular, and are renowned for having a more sweetness. They thrive at high altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They also have a little of acidity. If brewed and roasted correctly they may have notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is an extremely close second to Arabica and accounts for around 40% of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder however, they contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have woody and earthy undertones.

Now that you've learned the four most common types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select your ideal coffee. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth mild flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.