Four different types of coffee beans
There are four main types of coffee beans out there: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. Most of the coffee you’ll come across is made from Arabica or Robusta – but all four bring their own bold personalities to the cup, and each has its own unique flavour profile.
Arabica Coffee Beans
Arabica are the beans that started it all, and they’re still the most popular on the planet – accounting
for over 50% of beans used in the world’s coffee production. Grown at high altitudes above sea level,
Arabica beans are full of character. The right cup of Arabica has the power to wake up your taste buds and
then some. They originally come from Ethiopia, but you’ll now find them thriving in Brazil, Colombia and beyond.
What do they taste like? That depends. Their flavour is shaped by where they’re grown,
how high they’re grown, and of course, the processing method and roast. Generally speaking,
beans of the Arabica variety are smooth, aromatic, and rarely bitter – they’re often used in
speciality coffee for this reason.
Arabica coffee beans
Robusta Coffee Beans
As the name suggests, the Robusta coffee plant is tough. That’s thanks to one major thing: more caffeine. About double what Arabica has, which not only boosts your brew but also makes the plant itself naturally pest and disease resistant. It’s also grown at low altitudes, having adapted to warmer climates. Originally from sub-Saharan Africa, Robusta is now widely grown across both Africa and Southeast Asia. It’s a staple in instant coffee, but it’s also showing up more in speciality coffee blends, where it adds depth to the Arabica bean’s flavour profile. So, what does it taste like? Expect a strong flavour with earthy notes, a heavier body, and more bitterness. Robusta beans can also be slightly chocolatey.
Robusta Coffee Beans
Liberica Coffee Beans
Liberica is one of the more unusual characters in the coffee world – known for its intense flavour and irregular shape. Originally from Liberia, it stepped into the spotlight when a wave of coffee rust (a fungal disease) wiped out Arabica crops in the 19th century. Today, Liberica beans are mostly grown in Southeast Asia, but you’ll also find them in places like Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Brazil, and Colombia. Expect woody, smoky, and sometimes even harsh flavours. It’s not your classic morning brew, but that’s exactly why some people love it. Because it’s so distinctive, Liberica is often enjoyed with steamed milk or used in blends to add body and complexity.
Liberica Coffee Beans
Excelsa Coffee Beans
xcelsa originates in Western Africa and is mostly grown today in Southeast Asia. It’s technically classified as a type of Liberica, but in the coffee industry, that’s still up for debate. This bean is all about distinctive flavour. Think fruitier flavours, gentle tartness, and a lighter body – without the bitterness that can sometimes come with bold coffees. Excelsa beans have a thicker mucilage layer than Arabica, meaning they need a tailored roast approach to bring out their best. When roasted and brewed with care, Excelsa delivers something truly memorable.
Excelsa Coffee Beans