COFFEE BEAN TYPES
Arabica, Robusta and Liberica Explained
Learn the basic differences between the three coffee bean types featured in BrewRatio’s original guide: Coffea Arabica, Coffea Canephora (Robusta) and Coffea Liberica.
START WITH THE BASICS
Understanding Coffee Bean Types
Coffee beans are the seeds of the Coffea plant, which produces fruit commonly known as coffee cherries. The seeds are processed, roasted and brewed into the coffee we drink.
The two most commonly grown coffee types are Coffea Arabica and Coffea Canephora (Robusta). A third type, Coffea Liberica, is less common but has a distinctive bean shape and flavour profile.
Understanding the basic differences between these bean types can help you make more informed choices when selecting coffee for your preferred brewing style.
BEAN TYPES
Compare Arabica, Robusta and Liberica
Coffea Arabica
- Oval-shaped and flatter in appearance
- Commonly associated with flavour-focused and specialty coffee
- More vulnerable to disease
- Generally more demanding to cultivate
- Lower caffeine content than Robusta
- Includes varieties such as Bourbon, Typica, Caturra, Pacamara, Geisha, Pache and Wush Wush
Coffea Canephora (Robusta)
- Rounder and more circular in shape
- More resistant to disease
- Generally easier to grow
- Higher caffeine content than Arabica
- Commonly used where body, intensity and crema are valued
Coffea Liberica
- Large, asymmetrical and often tear-drop shaped
- Lower caffeine content than Robusta
- Known for distinctive, bold flavour characteristics
- Less commonly encountered than Arabica and Robusta
- Pricing and availability can vary significantly by growing region
QUICK COMPARISON
How the Three Bean Types Differ
Arabica
- Lower caffeine than Robusta
- Broad range of recognised varieties
- Often chosen for flavour complexity
Robusta
- Higher caffeine content
- Hardier plant with stronger disease resistance
- Often associated with heavier body and intensity
Liberica
- Larger, unusual bean shape
- Less common in the global market
- Known for a distinctive and polarising flavour profile
BEAN INFOGRAPHIC
Arabica vs Robusta at a Glance
CHOOSING YOUR COFFEE
Bean Type Is Only One Part of the Cup
Bean species matters, but the final cup is also shaped by origin, variety, altitude, processing, roast development, freshness and brewing method.
Use bean type as a starting point rather than the only deciding factor. If you are exploring flavour, compare different coffees side by side and note how they behave in your preferred brewing method.
