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

If you're a coffee enthusiast, you likely already know that different beans have distinct flavor profiles. Find out more about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are one of the varieties of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and more tart flavor profile and are often used in blends of coffee to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of the global production. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta and come in different flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee beans wholesale suppliers may vary widely depending on the growing conditions and the processing methods employed to produce it.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word for berry and premium coffee beans beans are actually fruit seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were more energetic after eating the berries, and the cultivation of coffee soon began to spread throughout the world.

Coffee beans can thrive at high altitudes and thrive in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is believed to be the most delicious kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee beans coffee shops and roasters are focused on the ethical sourcing of arabica beans, with a focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that are well-suited for a wide range of brewing methods. Blending allows control over the taste, aroma, body and acidity of coffee. It is typically preferred to achieve an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second-most popular type of coffee bean around the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acid, which are antioxidants found naturally. However, these acids may cause oxidation during the process of brewing coffee and may produce undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica and is able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate higher temperatures and does well in direct sun. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective crop to cultivate.

While it may seem counterintuitive Robusta beans are frequently mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you see names like Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee it's likely that there is also some robusta.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and preserve quality. To preserve the flavor integrity, you should choose a high quality bean from a trusted source. This can be done by purchasing the beans directly from a farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football that makes them different from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinctive aroma that is fruity and floral with smoky undertones. They are added to other coffee bean types to give them a richer and more robust flavor.

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

These attributes make them ideal for home cultivation. Online, you can buy seeds from a variety of sources. However, it's ideal to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure 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 kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered to be a separate species but is now classified as a variation of Liberica. The coffee beans that are oval in shape grow on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20-30 feet in height at Medium Roast coffee Beans altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both fruity and tart, which has made them a sought-after selection in blends for house. They have a more subtle flavor and lower caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but they do have a distinct flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most coveted kind of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't as easily accessible as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually considered an entirely different species of coffee up until 2006, at which point they were reclassified to become a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and have a dark, mysterious flavor. They're typically used in blends to add extra body and a rich tart, ripe fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in tropical and warm climates as well as at higher altitudes. They also have a bit of acidity. When roasted and brewed properly they can be a bit sweet with hints of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second only to Arabica and accounts for around 40 percent of the world's beans. These beans are rounder and smaller, but contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy and woody taste.

Now that you've learned the four most widely used varieties of medium roast coffee beans beans, it's time to choose your ideal coffee. If you prefer an elegant and delicate taste, choose an arabica bean, or a blend consisting of robusta beans and arabica beans.