What are the different Types of Coffee Beans? (Varieties and Cultivars)

There are 4 major commercially cultivated types of coffee beans: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. 

Global coffee cultivation is dominated by the first two heavy hitters – Arabica and Robusta while Liberica and Excelsa have a very small share of global output.

Within these four bean types, there are above 120 subvarieties – that are cultivated to have unique traits and flavors based on their growing conditions.

Whether you seek a mellow morning mug or a serious caffeine kickstart, learning the distinguishing qualities of each bean helps you find the perfect match for your brew.

4 Types of Coffee Beans

Here are the general characteristics and flavor profiles of 4 main types of coffee beans

1. Arabica (Coffea Arabica)

Arabica is the most popular and widely consumed coffee species, making up about 60% of global production. 

It likely originated in the mountains of Ethiopia but is now cultivated in more than 50 countries across the world, primarily in Latin and Central America, Africa, and Asia with Brazil and Colombia among the major producers. 

Arabica has many varieties, such as Bourbon, Typica, and Caturra. Each variety has distinct characteristics, but all tend to produce a sweeter and more aromatic brew compared to other coffee species.

The taste and characteristics of Arabica

Arabica beans tend to be larger and oval-shaped with a signature crease down the middle. 

They thrive in the cool, high-altitude climates found in mountainous subtropical regions – ideally with steady rainfall between 3000-6000 feet above sea level. 

The Arabica plant has a bushy shrub-like structure that’s easy to prune and harvest, though it’s prone to major coffee diseases like leaf rust and coffee berry disease (CBD). 

Arabica beans deliver the tastiest coffee known for its vibrant, multilayered flavors like fruit, florals, chocolate, and nuts. It offers a sweeter, more complex taste compared to other coffee varieties. 

2. Robusta (Coffea Canephora)

Robusta refers to the Coffea canephora species of coffee plant and makes up about 40% of commercial coffee production worldwide. 

Robusta is primarily grown in Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and other lower-altitude regions with warmer equatorial climates. 

Robusta beans have a very high caffeine content which is almost double that of Arabica varieties.

The taste and characteristics of Robusta

Robusta coffee plants are hardy little trees that can reach around 30 feet tall. 

They’re really resistant to diseases and produce lots of coffee cherries, so they’re economically important and cheap.

Robusta beans deliver the strongest and full-bodied flavor profile with earthy, rubbery, and bitter undertones. It’s lower in acidity, so it doesn’t have as much sweetness as Arabica.

They’re used a lot in instant coffee and blends to add that bold taste. Robustas are also key for espresso blends since they deliver a rich flavor and frothy crema.

3. Liberica (Coffea Liberica)

Liberica coffee is a less common species originally from the African country Liberia.

Librica coffee plants are highly tolerant of tropical climates and lower altitudes, so they grow well across Southeast Asia in places like Indonesia and the Philippines.

The taste and characteristics of Liberica

Liberica coffee beans have a distinctive oval shape with uneven sides and are larger than typical coffee beans. 

The Liberica plant itself is impressively tall, growing up to 60 feet high like a tree, unlike other coffee species that are more shrub-like. 

The taste of Liberica is described as being significantly sweeter than Arabica, with dominant fruity notes of jackfruit and berries. Despite the sweetness, Liberica has a light body and an unusual, rubbery flavor with bitter notes like Robusta. 

While not as widely consumed as Arabica and Robusta, Liberica is still appreciated by some coffee lovers for its unique flavor profile.

4. Excelsa (Coffea Excelsa)

Excelsa was originally discovered in Central Africa in the early 1900s and was classified as its own species until 2005. After that, it was reclassified as a sub-variety of Coffea Liberica called Dewevrei. 

Excelsa beans have the least caffeine of all coffee types. It’s usually grown in Southeast Asia and added to blends to impart its exotic tarty flavors.

The taste and characteristics of Excelsa

The Excelsa coffee bean is much smaller and rounder compared to other species. The plants thrive at relatively low altitudes between 1,000-1,300 feet and can reach up to 50 feet tall. 

Excelsa delivers a truly complex and distinctive flavor profile. It has berry-like notes and a full body with a creamy mouthfeel, along with woody and even slightly popcorn-like flavors. Excelsa is less sweet with more tartness compared to other coffees. 

Different Coffee Cultivars and Varieties

How to choose the right type of coffee beans?

Here are some factors you must consider while selecting the right type of coffee beans for your home brewing journey!

Consider the Origin and type of Beans

When picking out coffee beans, start by considering the origin. 

Coffee from Africa often has sweet, fruity notes. Beans from South America taste rich and chocolaty. And coffee grown in Southeast Asia tends to be intense, full-bodied, and bitter. 

The type of beans is also key. 

For pour-over and drip coffee, go with 100% Arabica beans to get a nice smooth, sweet flavor.

If you are an Espresso fan, an Arabica-Robusta bean blend is best – the Robusta gives a rich, thick body and frothy crema. 

And if you want to try something new and unusual give Liberica and Excelsa a try.

Also Read: What country has the best coffee

The Roast Type

The degree of coffee roast is another important factor. 

If you are buying single-origin always go for lighter roasts. Light roasts retain more of the bean’s original fruity, floral, or citrusy flavor notes.

Medium roasts are balanced in flavor and a popular choice for regular brewed coffee. 

If you prefer milky coffee beverages Dark roasts are the perfect choice. They are roasted longer, resulting in intense, rich, sometimes bittersweet flavors that stand up well with the creaminess of the milk.

Dark roasts like Italian or French Roast are also popular for French press and Espresso. 

Also Read: Light vs Dark roast

Final Thoughts

And that wraps up our tour of all the types of coffee beans!

I hope this guide helped explain the different species, varieties, flavors, and buying tips.

Let me know in the comments if you have a favorite type of bean I should try – I’m always looking to expand my coffee horizons!

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