From a biological classification perspective, coffee varieties can be divided into Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica.

Generally, Arabica is mainly used for single-origin or specialty coffee, while Robusta is used to make instant coffee. Although Arabica can be defined as premium coffee and Robusta as lower-grade, this classification isn’t absolute—it’s more appropriate to distinguish based on personal taste preferences. In terms of flavor preferences, the U.S. and Japan often drink lighter coffee brewed from Arabica, while Europe prefers espresso blends of Arabica and Robusta.

Arabica (Arabica): A high-grade coffee bean with outstanding flavor and aroma

Arabica is the earliest discovered variety and is considered the best among coffee varieties. It is currently the most widely grown variety in the world, produced in Central and South American countries, Brazil, Colombia, Africa’s Ethiopia, Tanzania, Yemen, Indonesia, and others. Arabica typically grows between 2.5 to 4.5 meters tall, tolerates low temperatures but not frost, has weak drought resistance, larger beans, excellent quality, a fragrant and mellow taste, with slight acidity and mild bitterness. It accounts for about 85% of global production.

Robusta (Robusta): Strong acidity and intense flavor

Due to its lower coffee quality, Robusta is priced at half that of Arabica in the market. Current major producing regions include Java in Indonesia, Congo, Uganda, and Ivory Coast. Robusta is easier to grow on farms, yields higher, is less sensitive to insects, has small and round beans, a slightly bitter taste, and retains aroma even when cooled. It accounts for about 15% of global production. Visually, Robusta beans are plump ovals, with raw beans exhibiting a light brown or yellowish-brown color with grassy green and yellow gloss. Compared to Arabica, it has a more fragrant yet milder taste, characterized by less pronounced acidity and stronger bitterness.

Liberica

Liberica was discovered in Liberia. The beans are elongated, large, slightly pointed at the ends, resembling small boats. It typically grows on slopes at altitudes of around 200 meters. It is a highly disease-resistant and adaptable tree species with very low yields, generally used for breeding purposes. Therefore, Liberica coffee trees can be grown in subtropical regions compared to other species, but the quality is inferior, with heavy acidity, a more bitter taste, low aroma and body, though high concentration is an advantage. It accounts for about 5% of global production.