coffee bean varieties

How to identify coffee bean varieties? 5 practical tips

1. Morphological identification method

Bean shape comparison

Arabica: oval and flat, with an S-shaped center line.

Robusta: round and full, with a straight and deep center line.

Liberia: asymmetrical boat-shaped, with the largest volume (see gallery comparison).

Color and texture

Light roasted Arabica: light brown, with many wrinkles on the surface (silver skin remains).

Dark roasted Robusta: almost black, with obvious oily gloss.

2. Sensory practical skills

Odor diagnosis

Raw beans: Arabica with grassy/honey flavor vs. Robusta with moldy earth flavor.

Roasted beans: Arabica with fruity aroma vs. Robusta with a dominant bitter taste.

Water floating test

Steps: Take 10 beans and immerse them in a water cup. High-quality Arabica sinks faster (density ≥1.05g/cm³).

Back to blog