5 Most Popular Coffee Bean Varieties You Need to Know About

The Five Most Common Coffee Strains in the World

Coffee is one of the most widely traded commodities on earth, and its flavor, aroma, and cultural significance are deeply tied to the varieties of the Coffea plant cultivated across the globe. While hundreds of cultivars exist, five strains dominate global production and consumption due to their resilience, adaptability, and cup quality.

The most prominent is Arabica (Coffea arabica), which accounts for about two-thirds of the world’s coffee. Native to Ethiopia and Yemen, Arabica thrives in high-altitude regions of Latin America and East Africa. Its smooth body, floral notes, and balanced acidity make it the preferred choice for specialty coffee. Within Arabica, traditional strains like Typica and Bourbon laid the foundation for countless modern cultivars.

The second most common is Robusta (Coffea canephora), originating from the Congo Basin. Unlike Arabica, Robusta grows well at lower altitudes and in harsher climates. It contains nearly twice the caffeine, offering a stronger, more bitter flavor with earthy undertones. Today, it is essential to Vietnam’s coffee industry and widely used in espresso blends for its crema-enhancing properties.

Less common but regionally important is Liberica (Coffea liberica), first cultivated in West Africa. Known for its large, irregular beans, Liberica carries unique flavor notes ranging from fruity to smoky. It has found a niche market in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines and Malaysia, where it is a cultural staple.

Closely related is Excelsa (Coffea excelsa), often classified as a variety of Liberica. Originating in Central Africa, Excelsa is prized for its tart, fruity character and is mainly cultivated in Southeast Asia. While not as common globally, it plays a valuable role in blending, adding complexity and brightness.

Finally, within Arabica, the Caturra strain deserves recognition as one of the most widely planted modern varieties. A natural mutation of Bourbon, Caturra originated in Brazil but is now central to Colombian and Central American coffee industries. Its compact growth habit allows for intensive farming, while its cup profile offers lively acidity and sweetness.

Together, these five strains—Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, Excelsa, and Caturra—represent the diversity of the coffee world. From the delicate floral notes of Arabica to the bold intensity of Robusta and the exotic profiles of Liberica and Excelsa, each strain reflects not only a distinct genetic lineage but also the geography and culture of the regions where it is grown.