Did you know that there are four different types of coffee beans? A lot of people do not know this entirely since two are more popular than the others. The four types are: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. The most common, and most likely the two that you have heard of, are Arabica and Robusta.
Do you really need to know the differences between the four? Well, if you’re a coffee lover but not necessarily a true connoisseur, you can go on with your life without really knowing these. But if you’re particularly a coffee enthusiast or a barista yourself, familiarizing yourself with these beans can be of great help to you and your skills.
Four types of coffee beans
Arabica (Coffea Arabica)
The most popular and the most common are the Arabica beans. They make up around 60% of the coffee in the world. Although we won’t know for sure but it was reported that this may be the first ever coffee beans consumed in the world. Ethiopia is the origin of the Arabica dating back to centuries ago.
The beans have gained a huge deal of popularity in 7th-century Arabia and this may be what the bean type was named after. Arabia beans are harder to grow which is why they come at a higher price. In fact, they need more shade, water, and higher altitude in comparison to the other types. The reason for their need to be grown at higher altitudes is that they are highly prone to plant diseases so it’s best to grow them at least 2,000 feet.
Variants
Typica
Typica was the first to be discovered, thus, it is also known as the original coffee of the New World. It is regarded to produce a delicious cup of Joe.
Bourbon
The other common variant is the Bourbon which is known for its balanced aromas. Bourbon has a good number of subtypes and mutations. The common natural ones are Caturra, Pacas, and San Ramon. On the other hand, some propagated types are Blue Mountain, Mundo Novo, and Yellow Bourbon.
Taste
Arabica coffee beans are of top quality. This is why you’ll see most of the gourmet coffee brands putting on huge “100% Arabica beans” on their labels. Arabica beans give of a smooth and complex coffee without being bitter. Take note that the taste of the Arabica may also vary depending on the origin!
Robusta (Coffea Canephora)
The next popular variant is the Robusta which originated in sub-Saharan Africa. Today, the beans are primarily grown in Indonesia and Africa. Additionally, this bean type is also famous in Vietnam where it is utilized in their famous coffee blends. The great thing about Robusta is that it’s cheaper than the Arabica.
Physically, the Robusta beans are bigger and rounder than the other bean types. Even their plants grow larger than the Arabica. In contrast to Arabica, Robusta beans can resist diseases, thus, they can be grown in lower altitudes. However, there are new research studies that reveal that they don’t seem to handle heat that well.
Caffeine content and chlorogenic acids
The high caffeine content and chlorogenic acids are by-products of the self-protective mechanism of the plant against diseases. Chlorogenic acids are naturally occurring antioxidants that help us fight off harmful toxins in the body. Despite the health benefits of chlorogenic acids, they can unfortunately alter the taste. High levels of these acids promote oxidation which may result in unwanted flavors.
Taste
Robusta definitely makes a stronger cup. It has bitter notes and has a significant increase in caffeine content than Arabica.
Liberica (Coffea Liberica)
Liberica, native to Liberia in Africa, produces a bold and smoky java with precious floral notes. Typically, the beans are combined with other beans to serve as an addition to the body and complexity. Southeast Asia’s discovery of this bean type is actually out of a dire need for coffee when a fungal disease called coffee rust wiped out the region’s Arabica plants. This was back in the late 1800s.
The Liberica plant grows a lot bigger than the previous variants. The beans are on the larger side with irregular shapes. The beans also fare well in hot and humid climates and they thrive in low altitudes too. Liberica is pretty rare making up just 2% of the world’s coffee supply. It is mainly grown in Malaysia, Philippines, and Indonesia.
Taste
Liberica carries a nutty and woody note with some backbite towards the end. While some people enjoy it, some don’t as well because of the wildly burnt taste.
Excelsa (Coffea Excelsa of Coffea Liberica Variant Dewevrei)
Last but not the least, we have the Excelsa. Recently, scientists were able to derive that this is actually a variant of Liberica. It is grown primarily in Southeast Asia with elongated oval shapes. They also grow large reaching up to 20 to 30 feet at medium altitudes.
Taste
This bean type seems to have a combination of light roast characteristics and some dark roast notes. It carries tart and fruity flavors with light aroma and caffeine. This bean type is usually added to blends to create more complexity.
Final words
We hope our article helped you gain more knowledge about the different types of coffee beans. To review, 100% Arabica coffee is the priciest but will definitely give you the best flavors. But if you prefer some bitterness, Robusta is the way to go. Now if you’re feeling a little experimental, go ahead and try scoring some Liberica or Excelsa!
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Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.
Editorial Staff
The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.
