Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa You've probably heard that different varieties produce different flavors. Learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa. Excelsa beans are one of the varieties of Liberica that is cultivated exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier, tarter taste profile and are frequently used in coffee blends for added depth. Arabica Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of the world's production. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta, and they are available in a variety of flavours. The taste and aroma components of a particular coffee can vary widely depending on the growing conditions and processing methods used to make it. The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow within bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were stimulated by eating the fruits. The cultivation of coffee quickly spread all over the world. Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and thrive with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is believed to be the best tasting kind of coffee. Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on ethically sourced arabica beans, focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that work well with various methods of brewing. Blending gives control over the aroma, flavor and body of the coffee. It is generally preferred to achieve an even and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market. Robusta Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean grown across the globe. They have a higher caffeine content per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids which are antioxidants that naturally occur. These acids can cause oxidation in the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors. The plant is more robust than the arabica, and can be grown in less favorable climates. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective crop to grow. Although it may sound contradictory, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag it's possible there is also some robusta. Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to cut costs while maintaining quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor, it is essential to select a top-quality beans from a source you can trust. This can be done by purchasing your beans directly from the farmer. Liberica Liberica beans have a shape that is like a football, which is what makes them distinct from other types of coffee beans. They are characterized by a smell that is floral, fruity and smokey. They are often added to other coffee beans to give a more intense, fuller flavor. Liberica coffee beans are available in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They can be grown at low altitudes and tolerate hot, humid climates. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta. These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. On the internet, you can purchase seeds from a variety of sources. However, it's best to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure the highest quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils that have moderately acidic, and enough annual rainfall. Excelsa is another type of coffee bean. It was previously classified as a separate species, but has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on large 20-30 foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both tart and fruity which makes them a popular choice in house blends. They have a more subtle aroma and caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but they do possess a distinct depth of flavor. Excelsa Excelsa coffee beans aren't as widely used as Arabica and Robusta although they're fourth popular. In fact, they were considered a distinct coffee plant species until 2006 when they were changed to an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans have the shape of teardrops and possess a dark, eerie taste. https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/coffee-beans used in blends to add body and a rich, tart, ripened fruit flavor. Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are known for having an apricot-like flavor. They thrive at higher altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They can be a bit acidic. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly they can be flavored like nuts, chocolate or even fruit. Robusta is the second most sought-after coffee worldwide, and accounts for about 40% of the coffee consumed in the world. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, yet contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two types and have an earthy, woody taste. After you've learned about the four most commonly used types of brew, it's time to select your favorite brew. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors, choose an arabica bean or a blend made up of robusta beans and arabica beans.