Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages around the world. The distinctive taste of coffee with an evocative aroma makes many types of beans popular and widely enjoyed by people every day.
There are various types of coffee beans that are processed into coffee, each with its own flavor and characteristics. Although they come from the same variety, the altitude at which the coffee plants are grown and the different environmental conditions can give birth to unique and distinctive flavor characters in the harvested coffee beans.
Coffee varieties are various subspecies obtained through selective breeding or natural selection of coffee plants. Based on the species, there are 4 main types of coffee beans that are popular in the world, namely Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa coffee.
1. Arabica
Arabica coffee is one of the most popular types of coffee in the world. Robusta coffee beans are harvested from the coffee plant species Coffea arabica. Arabica coffee is believed to be the first type of coffee to be cultivated. About 60% of the world’s coffee production is arabica coffee.
This coffee originated in the highland regions of southwestern Ethiopia. Now arabica coffee is cultivated in various tropical countries such as Colombia, Brazil, and Indonesia.
Arabica coffee is considered the highest quality type of coffee. The beans are smaller and have a complex taste with varied flavor characteristics, ranging from chocolate, fruits, spices, to flowers. Arabica coffee generally has a higher acidity than robusta. Most filter coffee and espresso are made from arabica.
Arabica coffee is difficult to cultivate because it is susceptible to pests and changes in environmental conditions. Therefore, the price is usually more expensive when compared to other types of coffee such as robusta.
Arabica coffee beans have several advantages over other coffee varieties. First, the flavor of Arabica coffee tends to be smoother, more complex, and slightly more acidic compared to Robusta coffee beans, which are generally more bitter. Also, the caffeine content in Arabica coffee is usually lower, making it suitable for those who are sensitive to caffeine.
Secondly, Arabica coffee trees grow at higher altitudes, affecting the quality of the beans. This variety is more susceptible to disease and requires extra care, but the result is higher quality coffee.
2. Robusta
Apart from arabica coffee, robusta coffee is also the most widely sold and consumed type of coffee in the world. Approximately 40% to 45% of the world’s coffee production is robusta coffee.
These coffee beans come from cultivars of the cultivated coffee plant of the species Coffea canephora. This species is native to central and western sub-saharan Africa.
Robusta coffee has a higher caffeine content among all other types of coffee and has a more bitter taste character and tends to be more intense, but has a lower acidity level. Because of its bitter flavor, it is often used in blended coffee and instant coffee.
Robusta coffee has good resistance to coffee plant pests and diseases. Robusta coffee beans are also larger and cold-resistant.
Robusta coffee beans have several advantages that distinguish them from other varieties of coffee beans. First, the caffeine content in Robusta coffee beans is generally higher than that of Arabica coffee beans. This gives the coffee a more bitter taste and resistance to extreme weather changes, making Robusta trees easier to grow in various conditions.
Secondly, Robusta coffee beans tend to have a thicker body and stronger flavor. This makes them often used in instant coffee blends and espresso coffee to provide strength and distinctive character.
3. Liberica
This type of coffee originated in the West African region and was first commercially cultivated in the Philippines. In the 19th century, this coffee was also brought to Indonesia as a replacement for arabica which was affected by coffee leaf rust.
Liberica’s caffeine content is higher than arabica but lower than robusta. The seeds are larger than arabica but smaller than robusta.
Despite its limited production, liberica coffee has a distinct flavor as it has a woody and ‘smoky’ flavor character. The seeds are larger and round in shape.
Liberica coffee beans have several characteristics that distinguish them from other varieties of coffee beans, especially Arabica and Robusta. The advantages of Liberica coffee beans include:
- Unique Flavor Profile
Liberica coffee has a unique flavor profile and differs from Arabica and Robusta. The flavor is often described as fruity, floral, and sometimes with a touch of spice.
- Disease Tolerance
Liberica coffee beans are known to have a fairly good tolerance to some coffee plant diseases. This may make them more resistant to certain environmental conditions.
- Power and Productivity
Liberica coffee trees can grow to be larger than Arabica coffee trees, providing strength and productivity that may be appreciated in coffee cultivation.
Despite having certain advantages, Liberica coffee beans are not as popular as Arabica or Robusta in the global coffee industry. Consumer tastes and preferences as well as economic and cultivation factors may affect the popularity and acceptance of Liberica coffee beans in the market.
4. Excelsa
This coffee was first discovered in 1903 in the forests of Central Africa, and given the scientific name as Coffea dewevrei or dewevreié.
It was originally considered a separate species of the genus Coffea. Until 2006, it was officially reclassified as the dewevrei variety of the liberica species.
Although excelsa has been reclassified, the taxonomy of this species is still controversial. Researchers are still debating whether or not this coffee species should be considered a separate species from liberica.
This coffee is characterized by nutty, caramel, and chocolate flavors. Excelsa’s acidity level is often considered more balanced than other types of coffee.
Excelsa coffee beans are also lower in caffeine than robusta and arabica. Some measurements show that caffeine levels in excelsa beans range from 0.86 to 1.13g per 100g, compared to 1.2 to 1.5g in arabica and 2.2 to 2.7g in robusta coffee.
Excelsa coffee beans, also known as Liberica variety Excelsa, have several advantages that set them apart from other varieties of coffee beans:
1. Unique Flavor Varieties
Excelsa coffee beans offer a unique and complex flavor profile. The flavor of this coffee is often identified with fruity imagery, including hints of citrus and berries, as well as distinctive floral characteristics.
2. High Acid Content
Excelsa tends to have a higher acid content compared to some other coffee varieties. This gives brightness to the coffee flavor and presents a fresh coffee drinking experience.
3. Resilience to Environmental Conditions
Like Liberica in general, Excelsa coffee beans have a good level of tolerance to several coffee plant diseases and can grow in a variety of environmental conditions.
Despite these advantages, Excelsa coffee beans are not as popular as other coffee varieties such as Arabica or Robusta. The success and acceptance of Excelsa coffee beans in the market is also due to consumer taste preferences and the dynamics of the global coffee industry.
The world of coffee is blessed with an astonishing diversity of bean varieties that are popular among enthusiasts. From the smoothness of Arabica to the robustness of Robusta, as well as the exoticness of Liberica and the uniqueness of Excelsa, each variety brings a distinctive nuance to a cup of coffee. Understanding the differences between them not only enhances our appreciation of coffee, but also embraces the rich culture and environment behind each sip.
