Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa If you're a coffee lover you're likely to know that different types of beans can produce different flavors. Learn about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/coffee-beans and Excelsa. Excelsa beans are one of the varieties of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter taste profile, and are often added to blends of beans to enhance the flavor. Arabica Arabica is the most well-known coffee in the world and accounts for 75% of global coffee bean production. Arabica beans have a sweeter and less sour flavor than Robusta. They are available with a variety of flavor profiles. The taste and aroma components of a coffee may vary in a wide range depending on the cultivation conditions and methods of processing employed to make it. The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop within bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were stimulated after eating these berries, and that the cultivation of coffee soon was a global phenomenon. Coffee beans can grow at high altitudes and thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the main reasons that Arabica is regarded as the best-tasting type of coffee. Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on ethical sourcing of arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make unique signature coffees that are suitable for many methods of brewing. Blending gives control over the aroma, taste and body, as well as the acidity of coffee. It is often used to create an even and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market. Robusta Robusta beans are the second most popular type of coffee bean around the world. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to pests and disease. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids may cause oxidation during the coffee brewing process and may produce undesirable flavors. The plant is more resilient than the arabica, and can grow in less favorable environments. It can tolerate higher temperatures and does well in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a economical crop to cultivate. While it may sound counterintuitive however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended together to create coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag it's possible that there's also some robusta. The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and preserve quality. To ensure the quality of the flavor, it's essential to choose a high-quality bean from a source you are confident in. The best method to do this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer. Liberica Liberica beans have a shape like a football, which makes them different from other coffee beans. They are characterized by a smell that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are paired with other coffee bean types to give them a richer and more robust taste. Liberica coffee beans are available in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They are resistant to hot, humid conditions and can be grown at low altitudes. They also have a better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta. These qualities make them ideal for home-growing. The seeds can be found on the internet from several sources, however it is best to purchase them from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH as well as adequate annual rainfall. Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered a distinct species, but is now classified as a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans are oval-shaped and grow on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20 to 30 feet in height at medium altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both tart and fruity, which has made them a popular choice for blends in house. They are also less pronounced in aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still have an unusual taste. Excelsa Although they're the fourth most popular type of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. They were considered to be an entirely different species of coffee until 2006 when they were reclassified to become a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Currently, they're cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. The beans have a distinctive teardrop shape, and a dark, mysterious taste. They are frequently used to give blends extra body and a rich tart taste of ripened fruits. Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive best at high altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They have a little acidity. When roasted and brewed correctly they may impart notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit. Robusta is an extremely close second to Arabica and is responsible for about 40% of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are smaller and more round, but have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties, and tend to have earthy and woody overtones. Once you've mastered the four most common types of coffee beans you can now choose the perfect coffee. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor, choose an arabica bean or a blend comprised of robusta and arabica beans.