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

You probably already know that different varieties can produce different flavors. 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 more fruity, more tart flavor profile and are often utilized in blends of coffee for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of the global production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta, and come in various flavour profiles. The taste and aroma components of a coffee may vary widely depending on the growing conditions and the processing methods used to produce it.

The word "coffee" actually comes from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are fruit seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were energized after eating fruits. The cultivation of coffee spread quickly around the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and flourish in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons that Arabica is considered to be the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on sourcing their arabica beans ethically by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make distinctive coffees that work well with many methods of brewing. Blending allows for control over the aroma, flavor as well as body and acidity of the coffee and is often preferred in order to create a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean grown in the world. 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 and is able to grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand warmer temperatures and does well in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant, and it grows faster than arabica. This makes it a economical crop to cultivate.

While it might seem contradictory Robusta beans are frequently mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you see 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 as well.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to cut costs and maintain the quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor it is recommended to select a high quality bean from a reliable source. This can be accomplished by buying your beans directly from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape like a football, that makes them different from other coffee beans. They have a distinctive scent that is fruity and floral with subtle smoky undertones. They are often paired with other coffee bean varieties to provide an extra, stronger flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They are tolerant of hot, humid climates and can grow at low altitudes. They also have a better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These attributes make them ideal for home cultivation. You can find the seeds online from many sources, but it's best to buy locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils, with a moderately acidic pH and sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different type of coffee bean. It was initially classified as a distinct species, but it has since been classified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on 20-30 foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. Their unique taste is both tart and sour, making them a popular option for blends in the home. They are also lighter in aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still possess a unique quality of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular as Arabica and Robusta yet they're the fourth most popular. In fact they were regarded as distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were reclassified to a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the world's production of coffee. light roast coffee beans have the shape of teardrops and possess a dark, eerie taste. They're often used in blends to give extra body and a delicious, tart, ripened fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most popular and are known for having the most delicious taste. They thrive in tropical, warm climates and at high altitudes. They also have a bit of acidity. If brewed correctly and roast, they can have notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second to Arabica and makes up around 40 percent of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are more round and smaller, but contain twice as much caffeine than Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two types and have a woody, earthy taste.





After having learned about the four most common types and their characteristics, it's time to pick your favorite drink. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors pick an arabica or a blend made up of arabica beans and robusta beans.