Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
If you're a coffee lover you're likely to know that different beans produce varying flavor profiles. Learn about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity, tarter flavor profile and are frequently used in coffee blends for added depth.
Arabica
Arabica is the most well-known coffee in the world, making up 75% of the world's coffee bean production. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta. They are available with a variety of flavor profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee can be affected by the conditions under which it is grown as well as the methods of processing used.
The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout within bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats became energy-rich after eating these berries, and that the cultivation of coffee quickly spread across the world.
Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and are capable of thriving in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is considered to be the best tasting type of coffee.
Many specialty coffee roasters and shops focus on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees that work well with a wide range of brewing methods. Blending allows for coffee bean suppliers over the flavour, aroma, body, and acidity of the coffee and is frequently preferred to create a balanced and consistent taste that appeals to a larger market.
Robusta
Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most widely used type of coffee bean grown in the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. However, these acids could cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and could result in unpleasant flavors.
The plant itself is more resilient than arabica, able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and does well in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a economically viable crop to cultivate.
While it may seem counterintuitive it's true that Robusta beans are often mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags it's possible there's also some robusta.
Most roasters employ a mixture of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and ensure the quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor you should select an excellent bean from a reliable source. The best method to achieve this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans have a shape like a football, which is why they are different from other coffee beans. They have a distinct aroma that is fruity and floral with smoky undertones. They are often added to other coffee bean types to give them a deeper and more robust taste.
Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They can thrive in low altitudes and can withstand hot, humid climates. They also have a much more resistant to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.
These qualities make them perfect for home-growing. Online, you can buy seeds from a variety of sources. However, it's recommended to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure quality. The best growing conditions for Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils that have moderately acidic pH, and adequate annual rainfall.
Excelsa is a different variety of coffee bean. It was once classified as a separate species, but has been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These oval-shaped coffee beans grow on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their distinctive flavor is tart and sour, which makes them a popular choice for blends that are house-made. They have a more subtle flavor and lower caffeine content that is less than Arabica or Robusta but they do have a distinct flavor.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular as Arabica and Robusta although they're fourth popular. They were considered to be to be a different species of coffee up until 2006, when they were reclassified to become a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape, and a dark, mysterious flavor. They're often used in blends to add body and a rich, tart, ripened fruit taste.
Arabica beans are the most popular and are renowned for their more sweetness. They grow best at high altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They have a little acidity. If brewed and roasted correctly, they can have notes like nuts, chocolate 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 rounder and smaller, but contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two varieties and have an earthy and woody taste.
Now that you know the four most popular types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select the perfect cup. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors go for an arabica bean, or a blend consisting of robusta and arabica beans.