Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa are the four primary coffee varietals used around the world and are most likely what you are drinking right now as you read this. Every Varietal has distinct qualities that define its flavour profile, caffeine concentration, and adaptability for various brewing techniques.
We will be taking a deep dive into each of the four main types of coffee Varietals, as mentioned above, and we will also have a brief look at a few lesser-known Varietals that might end up in your cup at some point in the future.
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The one we all know and love Arabica Coffee
We cant write a blog post about coffee varietals and not start with the main one we all know and love Arabica.
With nearly 60% of the world’s supply, Arabica is the most widely grown coffee varietal. It is highly regarded for having a flavour profile that is nuanced and includes elements of sweetness, acidity, and fruitiness. Arabica beans are a suitable option for people who are sensitive to caffeine because they also have a relatively low caffeine level.
High altitudes, usually between 1,200 and 2,000 meters above sea level, are where Arabica coffee beans are cultivated and thrive. This high altitude helps to create the ideal conditions for Arabica beans to develop their complex flavour profile.
A slight drawback to Arabica coffee beans is that they are more susceptible to pests and diseases unlike the coffee varietal Robusta for example, which is one reason why they can be more expensive.
The following are some of the most well-liked Arabica coffee varieties:
- Typica: The original Arabica variety, Typica, is still one of the most widely used today. The flavour profile of Typica beans is well-balanced, with hints of fruitiness, sweetness, and acidity.
- Bourbon: This kind is renowned for its fruity flavour profile, which includes hints of chocolate, lemon, and berries. Blends frequently incorporate bourbon beans to offer a hint of acidity and sweetness.
- Caturra: The smooth, chocolaty flavour and strong yields of the Caturra varietal make it a popular choice. Coffees with a single origin frequently contain Caturra beans.
Arabica coffee is a versatile varietal that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It is a good choice for espresso, pour-over, and French press brewing methods to name but a few. We can’t forget you cold coffee drinkers out there, Arabica coffee can also be enjoyed as a cold brew or iced coffee.
So if you are looking for a coffee with a complex flavour profile and a low caffeine content, then Arabica coffee is a great choice. There are many different Arabica varietals available, so you can experiment to find one that you enjoy.

Here is a list of some fun facts about Arabica coffee;
- In the sixteenth century, Arabia shipped the first Arabica coffee beans to Europe.
- Arabica coffee is presently farmed in more than 70 nations worldwide, with Brazil, Colombia, and Ethiopia being the top three producers.
- Antioxidants, which can aid in defending the body against harm from free radicals, are abundant in Arabica coffee.
- Arabica coffee beans are prized for their smooth, balanced flavour, and they are frequently utilized in speciality coffee blends.
If you would like to learn more about Arabica Coffee head over to KEW GARDENS website.
The Robusta Coffee varietal
With roughly 40% of the world’s coffee production, Robusta is the second most common kind of coffee varietal. It is well recognized for having a lot of caffeine, nearly twice as much as Arabica beans. Additionally, the flavour characteristic of Robusta beans is more bitter than Arabica beans. Robusta beans are frequently used in coffee blends because they may give the coffee body and bitterness thus adding some balance to a coffee blend.
Robusta coffee beans are typically grown between 600 and 1,200 meters above sea level, at lower elevations than Arabica beans. The high caffeine content of Robusta beans is a result of the lower altitude, which contributes to excellent growing conditions. In addition to being less expensive than Arabica beans, Robusta beans are more resistant to pests and diseases.
Some of the most popular Robusta coffee varietals include:
- Conillon: This kind is renowned for both its intense, bitter flavour and its high caffeine concentration. To give body and bitterness to mixes, Conillon beans are frequently utilised.
- Nganda: High yields and an earthy flavour make this variety popular. Single-origin coffees frequently contain Nganda beans.
- Robusta 2: This varietal is a hybrid of Robusta and Arabica beans. It has a lower caffeine content than Robusta beans, but it still has a strong, bitter flavour. Robusta 2 beans are often used in blends to add body and bitterness without being too overpowering.
There are a multitude of ways you can use and enjoy the diverse variety of coffee that is Robusta. It works well for brewing espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew. Iced coffee made from robusta beans is also a tasty option. These are the same options as the Arabica coffee varieties so let your tastebuds tell you what to do.
Robusta coffee is an excellent option if you want a beverage with a lot of caffeine and a powerful, bitter flavour. You can experiment to locate a Robusta variety that you like because there are so many distinct varieties available.
Here are some fun facts about Robusta coffee:
- The robust quality of robusta coffee gives it its name. The Latin for “strong” or “vigorous” is “robusta”.
- Compared to Arabica coffee plants, Robusta coffee plants are more resistant to disease and pests. Because of this, they are a more dependable crop for coffee farmers, particularly in regions with difficult growing circumstances.
- The amount of caffeine in Robusta coffee beans is almost double that of Arabica coffee beans. They are therefore a well-liked option for those who prefer their coffee with additional caffeine.
- Arabica coffee beans are less acidic than Robusta coffee beans. They are therefore an excellent option for those who suffer acid reflux or are sensitive to acidity.
Robusta coffee is a polarizing varietal. Some people love its strong, bitter flavour, while others find it to be too harsh. If you are new to coffee, it is a good idea to try both Arabica and Robusta coffees to see which one you prefer.
What is Liberica Coffee?
Moving on, the Liberica coffee variety is a rarer varietal of coffee, making up less than 1% of the world’s production. It is known for having a robust, nutty flavour. Liberica beans are frequently included in blends because they can give the coffee a distinctive flavour that some people have proven to enjoy.
Liberica coffee beans are native to western and central Africa, and they are still grown in these regions today. Liberica beans are also grown in some parts of Southeast Asia and the Philippines. Liberica trees are taller than Arabica and Robusta trees, and they can grow up to 20 meters tall.
The Liberica coffee varietal beans are native to western and central Africa, and they are still grown in these regions today. Liberica beans are also grown in some parts of Southeast Asia and the Philippines. Liberica trees are taller than Arabica and Robusta trees, and they can grow up to 20 meters tall.
Although it is not as well-known as Arabica or Robusta coffee, Liberica coffee is starting to earn some appeal in recent years. Liberica beans are frequently included in blends to add an extra layer of depth and a distinctive flavour. You can also enjoy Liberica coffee as a single-origin beverage.
Some of the most well-known coffee varietals of Liberica:
- Kapeng Barako: This is a Philippine coffee that is known for its strong, robust flavour. It is made from the Liberica beans that are grown in the Cordillera Mountains of the Philippines.
- Abeokutae: This is a variety of Liberica coffee that is grown in Nigeria. It has a fruity, nutty flavour that is often described as being similar to chocolate.
- Aruwimiensis: This is a variety of Liberica coffee that is grown in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It has a strong, spicy flavour that is often described as being similar to cloves.
- Arnoldiana: This is a variety of Liberica coffee that is grown in Liberia. It has a sweet, caramel flavour that is often described as being similar to Arabica coffee.
Here are some fun facts about Liberica coffee:
- The name “Liberica” comes from the country of Liberia, where this coffee varietal was first discovered.
- The beans are larger and have a more irregular shape than Arabica or Robusta beans.
- Liberica coffee is grown in a few countries, including Liberia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
- Liberica coffee was once the most popular type of coffee in the world, but it was largely replaced by Arabica coffee in the 20th century.
Liberica coffee is a wonderful option if you want a cup of coffee with a robust, nutty flavour. Even if you do not like the sounds of the Liberica coffee varietal it would be worth trying just to impress all your friends all your friends.
What is Excelsa Coffee?
While you may have heard whispers on the wind of Liberica coffee the Excelsa coffee varietal is another uncommon coffee that makes up less than 1% of the world’s total supply. It has a fruity, flowery flavour characteristic. Much like Liberica coffee Excelsa beans are frequently included in blends because they can give the coffee a distinctive flavour.
Excelsa coffee beans originated originally from Southeast Asia, where they are still produced today. Additionally, several regions of Africa and the Caribbean grow excelsa beans. Excelsa trees can reach heights of 20 meters, making them taller than Arabica and Robusta trees.
Excelsa beans are medium in size and shaped like a sphere. Additionally, they have a paler colour than Arabica and Robusta beans. The flavour characteristic of the Excelsa varietal coffee bean is fruity and fragrant, with hints of berries, citrus, and flowers. Excelsa beans may also be spicily and herbally flavorful.
The Excelsa coffee bean is not as popular as Arabica or Robusta coffee, but much like its Liberica coffee counterpart, it has gained some popularity in recent years.

Here are some fun facts about Liberica coffee:
- The name “Excelsa” comes from the Latin word “excelsus,” which means “high” or “lofty.”
- Excelsa beans are less expensive than Arabica beans.
- Excelsa coffee is grown in a few countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
- Excelsa coffee is less acidic than Arabica or Robusta beans, making it a good choice for people who are sensitive to acidity.
Excelsa coffee is a unique and flavorful varietal that is worth trying. If you are looking for a coffee with a fruity, floral flavour, then Excelsa coffee is a great choice.
Here are a few reasons why Excelsa coffee is gaining popularity:
- Compared to Arabica beans, it is a more sustainable coffee variety.
- It has a distinctive flavour profile that can give mixes a special touch.
- As more coffee producers begin to raise Excelsa beans, it is becoming more accessible.
Excelsa coffee is an excellent choice if you’re looking to experience a novel and intriguing coffee variety.
Lesser-Known Coffee Varietals
In addition to the four main types of coffee varietals, there are a number of lesser-known varietals that are gaining popularity. Some of these varietals include:
- Sarchimor: This varietal is a cross between the Timor and Villa Sarchi varietals. Sarchimor beans have a high yield and are resistant to disease. They have a medium body and a sweet, nutty flavour.
- Obata: This varietal is a rare varietal that is known for its high quality. Obata beans have a complex flavour profile with hints of chocolate, caramel, and fruit.
- Pacamara: This varietal is a cross between the Pacas and Maragogype varietals. Pacamara beans have a rich, full-bodied flavour with hints of chocolate, caramel, and fruit.
- Gesha: This varietal is native to Ethiopia and is known for its complex, floral flavour. Gesha beans are often used in high-end coffee.
- Yellow Bourbon: This varietal is a mutation of the Bourbon varietal and is known for its yellow, rather than red, beans. Yellow Bourbon beans have a smooth, sweet flavour with hints of citrus and honey.
- Geisha Typica: This varietal is a cross between the Gesha and Typica varietals. Geisha Typica beans have a complex flavour profile with hints of chocolate, caramel, and citrus.
Because they can provide distinctive and tasty coffee experiences, these lesser-known coffee varietals are frequently employed in single-origin coffees. The future popularity of these varietals is projected to increase as coffee lovers become more sophisticated and their tastebuds grow.
Where do we go from here?
New coffee varietals are constantly being created as a result of the coffee industry’s ongoing evolution. Even more distinctive and tasty coffee varietals are likely to become available in the future. These new coffee varietals will provide fresh and intriguing flavour experiences for coffee lovers as well as contribute to the continued vitality and excitement of the coffee industry.
The emergence of new coffee varietals is being influenced by a few variables. Climate change is one of the causes. Some coffee-growing regions are losing their suitability for cultivating Arabica beans as a result of climate change. Farmers are now searching for new coffee varietals that are more climate change resistant.
The desire for specialty coffee is another element influencing the creation of new coffee varietals. Specialty coffee as we know may know is coffee that is grown, processed, and roasted to a highest standard. You can learn more about Specialty Coffee on from our article on the blog. It is typically more expensive than regular coffee, but it offers a more complex and flavorful cup. The demand for specialty coffee is huge, and this is leading coffee roasters to look for new varietals that can offer unique and flavorful coffee experiences.
Last but not least, there are some exciting improvements in genetic engineering that also motivate the development of novel coffee varietals. The DNA of plants can be changed through the application of genetic engineering. This can be used to develop coffee plants that are more flavorful or resistant to pests and illnesses.
The future of coffee varietals is very exciting indeed. In the years to come, who knows we might all be drinking coffee that was created in a lab that is packed full of flavour. Or drinking a coffee that is tailor-made for our own individual taste preferences.
All the coffee varietals, old, new and yet-to-be-known will provide fresh and intriguing flavour experiences for coffee lovers the world over and I for one can’t wait to try them.