20 Trailblazers Leading The Way In Coffee Beans Types
Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
If you're a coffee enthusiast you're likely to know that different varieties of beans can produce different flavors. Find out about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. good coffee beans . Liberica. and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier, more tart flavor and are often used in coffee blends for added depth.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of the world's production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta, and they come in various flavour profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee are influenced by the conditions under the conditions in which it grows and the processing methods employed.
The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word that means berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow within bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were stimulated by eating fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly around the world.
Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and they are able to thrive when exposed to cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is believed to be the most delicious kind of coffee.
Many specialty coffee shops and roasters insist on sourcing their arabica beans ethically by focusing on fair compensation for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make distinctive coffees that work well with various methods of brewing. Blending allows for control over the aroma, flavor and body as well as the acidity of the coffee and is usually preferred to achieve a balanced and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.
Robusta
Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation during the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica, able thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a more economically viable crop to cultivate.
Although it may sound contradictory however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee bag, it's likely that there's some robusta in there too.
The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans to reduce costs and maintain quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor, you should choose the best quality beans from a reliable source. The best method to achieve this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped, which makes them distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have a scent that is floral, fruity and smoky. They are often blended with other coffee bean varieties to provide a fuller, more robust flavor.
Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They are tolerant of hot, humid climates and are able to grow at low altitudes. They are also more resistant to diseases than Arabica or Robusta.
These qualities make them ideal to grow at home. You can purchase seeds on the internet from several sources, however it's best to purchase them from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils that have a pH that is moderately acidic, and enough annual rainfall.
Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally considered a distinct species, but was re-classified as a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that are grown on large 20-30-foot coffee plants at medium altitudes. Their distinctive taste is tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for blends that are house-made. They are also less heavy on scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta, but still have a distinctive richness of flavor.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta yet they're the fourth most popular. They were actually thought to be a different coffee plant species until 2006 when they were reclassified as 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. The coffee beans are shaped in the shape of teardrops and possess a dark, eerie taste. They're often used in blends to give extra body and a full, tart, ripened fruit flavor.
Arabica beans are the most popular and are well-known for their more sweetness. They thrive best at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They have a slight acidity. When properly roasted and brewed, they can have notes of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.
Robusta is the second most sought-after coffee around the world. It is responsible for around 40% of all coffee consumed globally. These beans are rounder and smaller, but they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two varieties and have a woody, earthy taste.
Once you've mastered the four most commonly used types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select your perfect brew. If you prefer an elegant and delicate taste opt for an arabica, or a blend consisting of robusta and arabica beans.