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Types of Coffee Beans: Introduction to the Three Main Coffee Varieties - Essential Knowledge for Beginners

Published: 2026-01-28 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/28, Professional coffee knowledge exchange and more coffee bean information. Please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat public account: cafe_style). FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to the Three Main Coffee Varieties. Arabica: Arabica coffee beans originate from the Ethiopian highlands, where they were initially used as medicine. Roasting habits formed in the 13th century, and they were introduced to Europe by Arabs in the 16th century, becoming the preferred choice of Europeans.

FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to the Three Major Coffee Varieties

For professional coffee knowledge exchange and more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat public account: cafe_style)

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans originate from the Ethiopian highlands. Initially consumed as medicine, they developed the habit of roasting in the 13th century. In the 16th century, they were introduced to Europe by Arabs and became a favorite among Europeans. Following the footsteps of European colonizers, they became one of the most popular beverages worldwide. Currently, Arabica varieties account for approximately 59% of global coffee bean production, making them the most popular coffee bean variety in the world.

Arabica coffee beans have a milder flavor, with high-quality acidity and aroma, fruity and nutty aftertaste, and not overly strong acidity. Additionally, they have lower caffeine content, making them most suitable for direct consumption among all coffee varieties. Therefore, most do not need to be blended with other coffee bean varieties to brew coffee.

The drawback is that this variety has little resistance to coffee's biggest enemy—leaf rust disease—and can only be grown at high altitudes. Coupled with lower environmental adaptability, the cultivation cost and market price are relatively higher.

The main countries producing Arabica coffee beans include Brazil, Colombia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and others.

In terms of appearance, Arabica beans are flat and elliptical.

Robusta

Robusta coffee beans originate from the Congo region of Africa, accounting for approximately 20% of global coffee bean production. This variety has greater resistance to leaf rust disease, stronger adaptability, and can be cultivated in lowlands, making its cultivation cost relatively low. However, due to its overly strong aroma, few people use it for direct consumption. It is most suitable for industrial mass production and is therefore widely used in making instant coffee and other relatively inexpensive coffee products.

However, this variety has a very strong aroma. When 3-4% of Robusta coffee beans are mixed into a cup of coffee, the entire cup takes on the Robusta coffee flavor. Some consider it fragrant, but most people cannot tolerate this taste and even consider it moldy. Additionally, Robusta's heavier bitterness is unappealing, and it lacks acidity, so it is usually blended with other coffee beans to make coffee.

The caffeine content of Robusta coffee beans is nearly twice that of Arabica varieties. People who need to monitor their caffeine intake should be cautious with Robusta coffee beans to avoid excessive caffeine consumption. Robusta beans appear rounder than Arabica beans. Robusta is also known as "industrial coffee" because just a small amount of Robusta coffee beans can brew a large quantity of coffee liquid, effectively saving costs.

Robusta varieties are extensively cultivated in the Vietnam region, and these coffee beans are mostly sold to large canned coffee manufacturers. Currently, Robusta varieties account for approximately 41% of globally traded coffee beans.

Liberica

Liberica coffee beans originate from West Africa and account for only a very small percentage of global coffee bean production. This coffee variety can be cultivated in lowlands, has extremely high environmental adaptability and disease resistance, but cannot resist leaf rust disease. Its flavor is inferior to Arabica varieties, and the coffee produced has poor aroma and stronger bitterness, making it unpopular in the market. It is only traded domestically in West African countries including Libya and Côte d'Ivoire, making it difficult to find Liberica varieties in the international market. Liberica coffee beans have a spindle-shaped appearance and are relatively large fruits, can be more than twice the size of Arabica beans.

Liberica coffee is now basically only found in production areas (Central Africa, Indonesia, and Southeast Asia) and Europe. It is said that Malaysian white coffee originated from using Liberica coffee, which gives it its special flavor. Many Liberica bean farms have now switched to growing other hybrid coffee varieties with better yields. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to see Liberica beans/coffee for sale, you might want to try it!

Knowledge Point

The world's coffee-producing regions are mainly distributed in the areas north and south of the equator, also known as the "Coffee Belt."

In Brief

FrontStreet Coffee is a dedicated coffee research establishment, happy to share knowledge about coffee with everyone. Our unreserved sharing is only to help more friends fall in love with coffee. Additionally, we hold three discounted coffee activities each month because FrontStreet Coffee wants to let more friends enjoy the best coffee at the lowest prices. This has been FrontStreet Coffee's mission for the past six years!