Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
If you're a light roast coffee beans enthusiast you're likely aware that different types of beans have distinct flavor profiles. Read on to learn about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans, a type Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and more tart flavor profile and are often added to coffee blends to add depth.
Arabica
Arabica is the most sought-after coffee worldwide, making up 75% of the world's coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are milder and have a sweeter flavor than Robusta and come in a variety profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee are influenced by the conditions in which it is grown as well as the processing methods employed.
The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were stimulated after eating these berries, and that the cultivation of coffee quickly became widespread across the globe.
Coffee beans can flourish at high altitudes, and thrive with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is believed to be the best tasting kind of coffee.
Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique coffees, which can be used in a variety of brewing methods. Blending can be used to control the aroma, flavor and body as well as the acidity of the coffee. It is typically preferred to create a balanced and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.
Robusta
Robusta beans are the second most popular kind of coffee bean in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more protected against diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are antioxidants found naturally. These acids can cause oxidation during the brewing process of coffee and create undesirable flavors.
The plant is more durable than the arabica and can grow in less favorable environments. It can tolerate higher temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective plant to grow.
While it may sound counterintuitive however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you see names like Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee it's possible that there is also some robusta.
Most roasters employ a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to reduce costs while maintaining quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor, you should choose a high quality bean from a reliable source. The best method to achieve this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped and are therefore distinct from other coffee bean varieties. They have a smell that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are often blended with other coffee bean varieties to add the fuller, more robust flavor.
Liberica coffee beans are found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They are adaptable to humid, hot climates and can thrive at low altitudes. They also have a better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.
These qualities make them ideal to grow at home. On the internet, you can purchase the seeds from many sources. However, it's ideal to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure the highest rated Coffee Beans quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils, with a pH that is moderately acidic and sufficient annual rainfall.
Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally considered a distinct species, but was later re-classified to be an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on 20-30-foot coffee plants at medium altitudes. They have a distinctive taste that is both fruity and tart, which has made them a preferred choice for blends in house. They are also less pronounced in the aroma and caffeine compared to Arabica and Robusta yet still possess a unique taste.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta although they're fourth popular. They were actually considered to be a different species of coffee until 2006 when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Nowadays, they're grown mostly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. The beans have a distinctive teardrop shape, and a dark, mysterious flavor. They're typically used in blends to add body and a full, tart, ripened fruit taste.
Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter taste. They grow best at high altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They are slightly acidic. When roasted and brewed properly, they can have notes of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.
Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and makes up around 40% of the world's coffee. These beans are smaller and more round however 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 overtones.
After having learned about the four most popular varieties, it's now time to choose your favorite brew. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors, choose an arabica bean or a blend made up of arabica beans and robusta beans.