Why No One Cares About Coffee Beans Types
Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
If you're a coffee lover you're likely aware that different types of beans can produce different flavors. Read on to learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, more tart flavor profile and are frequently used in blends of beans to give them added depth.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in flavor than Robusta and come in a variety profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee can be affected by the conditions in which it is grown as well as the processing methods used.
The word "coffee" comes from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were energized after eating these fruits. The cultivation of coffee quickly spread around the world.
Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and are capable of flourishing when exposed to cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the main reasons for why Arabica is considered to be the best tasting coffee.
Many specialty coffee roasters and shops focus on the ethical source of their arabica beans, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees, which can be used in many different brewing techniques. Blending allows control over the taste, aroma, body and acidity of coffee. It is generally used to create a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals a wide market.
Robusta
Robusta beans are the second most coveted type of coffee bean around the world. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acid, which are antioxidants naturally found in. However, these acids may cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and may produce undesirable flavors.
The plant itself is more resilient than arabica, able thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a economical crop to cultivate.
Although it may sound contradictory the fact is that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag, it's possible that there is also some robusta.
Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs while maintaining quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor you should select a high quality bean from a trusted source. coffee bean coffee can be achieved by purchasing your beans directly from a farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans are more or less football shaped that makes them different from other varieties of coffee beans. They have a smell that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are often added to other beans to give a more intense, fuller flavor.
Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They are adaptable to humid, hot conditions and can be grown at low altitudes. They are also more resistant to diseases than Arabica or Robusta.
These qualities make them ideal for home cultivation. You can find the seeds on the internet from a variety of sources, but it's recommended to purchase from local producers to ensure 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 type of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered a distinct species, but was re-classified as a variation of Liberica. These coffee beans with an oval shape are grown on large coffee plants that reach 20-30 feet in height at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is tart and sour, making them a popular choice for blends that are house-made. They are also lighter on scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta however they still have an unusual richness of flavor.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular as Arabica and Robusta, yet they're the fourth most popular. They were considered to be a different coffee plant species up until 2006, when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans have the shape of a teardrop and are dark and mysterious in taste. These beans are often utilized to give blends extra body and a tangy taste of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They thrive at high altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They also have a hint of acidity. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly they may have notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.
Robusta is an extremely close second to Arabica and makes up about 40% of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder however they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two varieties and have a woody, earthy taste.
Now that you know the four most common types of coffee beans you can now choose your ideal coffee. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors pick an arabica or a blend of arabica beans and robusta beans.