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Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa You've probably heard that different types of plants produce distinct flavors. Find out more about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is cultivated exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter taste profile, and are often added to blends of coffee to add depth. Arabica Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of all global production. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta and come in various flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of a particular coffee can vary widely depending on the growing conditions and methods of processing used to produce it. The word “coffee” is derived from the Arabic word that means berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were invigorated by eating fruits. The cultivation of coffee grew rapidly all over the world. Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes and are able to thrive when exposed to cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons for why Arabica is regarded as the best tasting coffee. Many specialty coffee shops and roasters insist on sourcing their arabica beans ethically by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees, which can be used in different brewing methods. Blending allows control over the aroma, taste and body of the coffee. It is generally preferred to achieve an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market. Robusta Robusta beans are the second most coveted type of coffee bean around the world. Full Content contain more 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 could cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and may produce undesirable flavors. The plant is more durable than the arabica and may grow in less favorable environments. 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 plant to grow. Although it might seem odd it's true that Robusta beans are often combined with arabica to create coffee blends. If you see the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a bag of coffee then it's likely that there's some robusta as well. Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans but the majority do mix the two varieties to cut costs and ensure quality. To maintain the integrity of the flavor, it's important to choose a high-quality beans from a source you trust. The best way 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 floral, fruity and smoky. They are often added to other coffee bean varieties to create a more intense, fuller flavor. Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They can thrive in low altitudes, and they can tolerate hot, humid climates. They are also more resistant to diseases than Arabica or Robusta. These characteristics make them ideal for home-growing. On the internet, you can purchase seeds from a variety of sources. However, it's ideal to purchase the beans from local producers to guarantee quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils that have moderately acidic pH, and sufficient annual rainfall. Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered a distinct species, but has been re-classified as a variant of Liberica. The coffee beans that are oval in shape are found on large coffee plants that reach 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their unique flavor is tart and sour, making them a popular choice for house blends. They have a more subtle aroma and higher caffeine levels than Arabica or Robusta but still have a unique depth of flavor. Excelsa Although they're the fourth most coveted kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite as easily accessible as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were considered to be a separate coffee plant species until 2006 when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans have the shape of teardrops and possess a dark, mysterious taste. These beans are often used to give blends extra body and a tangy taste of ripened fruits. Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are renowned for having a an apricot-like flavor. They thrive at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They also have a bit of acidity. If properly brewed and roasted, they can have notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit. Robusta is the second most-loved coffee worldwide, and accounts for about 40% of all coffee consumed globally. These beans are smaller and more round but they 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 undertones. Now that you've learned the four most popular types of coffee beans you can now choose the perfect coffee. If you want a smooth and delicate taste, go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.