Coffee Beans Types: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

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

You've probably heard that different varieties can produce distinct flavors. Learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a type Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity, more tart flavor profile and are often utilized in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most well-known coffee in the world with 75% of the global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans have a sweeter and less sour taste than Robusta, and come in a variety of flavor profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee is affected by the conditions under which it is grown as well as the methods of processing used.

The word 'Medium roast Coffee Beans' actually originates from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were energized by eating the fruits. The cultivation of coffee grew rapidly all over the world.

Coffee beans can thrive at high altitudes, and thrive in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons for why Arabica is regarded as the best tasting coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops are focused on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner by focusing on fair compensation for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that can be used in many different methods of brewing. Blending gives you control over the flavour, aroma, body, and acidity of the coffee and is often preferred in order to create an even and consistent taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most coveted type of coffee bean in the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against diseases and pests. 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 is more robust than the arabica, and can be grown in less favorable climates. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a cost-effective crop to cultivate.

While it may seem counterintuitive, Robusta beans are often blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag and you can be sure that there's some robusta too.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs and maintain quality. In order to preserve the integrity of the flavor, it's important to select a top-quality bean from a supplier you can trust. This can be done by buying your beans directly from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football, which is what makes them distinct from other coffee beans. They are characterized by a smell that is floral, fruity and smoky. They are often added to other types of coffee beans to give them a deeper and more robust taste.

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

These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. The seeds can be found on the internet from several sources, however it is best to buy from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils that have moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different kind of coffee bean. It was once classified as a distinct species, but has been classified as a Liberica variant. These oval-shaped coffee beans grow on large coffee plants that reach 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their unique taste is both tart and sour, making them a popular option for house blends. They are also less pronounced in the aroma and caffeine compared to Arabica and Robusta, but still possess a unique taste.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as widely used as Arabica and Robusta, despite being the fourth most popular. In fact they were regarded as distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were reclassified 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. The coffee beans have the shape of teardrops and have a dark, mysterious taste. They are frequently used to give blends extra body and a sweet tart flavor of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They thrive at high quality coffee beans altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They are slightly acidic. If properly brewed and roasted, they can have notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is an extremely close second to Arabica and is responsible for about 40 percent of the world's beans. Robusta is rounder and smaller, but they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have woody and earthy undertones.

After you've learned about the four most commonly used types, it's now time to pick your favorite drink. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor pick an arabica, or a blend consisting of robusta and arabica beans.