Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide, and its beans are traded globally as an essential agricultural product. Many people ask: Are coffee beans legumes? The short answer is no—coffee beans are not legumes. While they may look similar to other seeds, their botanical classification is very different.
Legumes belong to the Fabaceae (pea) family.
Common examples include beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas, and soybeans.
Legumes grow in pods that split open when mature.
They are known for being rich in protein and for fixing nitrogen in the soil.
Coffee beans are the seeds of the coffee cherry, which grows on the Coffea plant (part of the Rubiaceae family).
Each coffee cherry usually contains two seeds (the beans).
These seeds are processed, roasted, and ground to make the coffee we drink.
Unlike legumes, coffee cherries are fruits, and the beans are fruit seeds, not pod seeds.
Both coffee beans and legumes are called “beans,” but this is only a naming similarity.
True legumes come from pod-bearing plants, while coffee beans come from fruit-bearing trees.
Coffee beans share more in common with fruit pits (like cherries or apricots) than with peas or lentils.
| Feature | Coffee Beans | Legumes |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Family | Rubiaceae (coffee family) | Fabaceae (pea/bean family) |
| Grows In | Coffee cherries (fruit) | Pods that split when mature |
| Primary Nutrients | Caffeine, oils, antioxidants | Proteins, fiber, minerals |
| Botanical Classification | Fruit seeds | Pod seeds |
Coffee beans are not legumes—they are the seeds of a fruit called a coffee cherry. While the term “bean” may cause confusion, coffee is botanically closer to fruits than peas or lentils. For consumers and distributors, this distinction is important in understanding the agricultural and nutritional background of coffee.
As a trusted China coffee bean supplier, we provide wholesale coffee beans with consistent quality, professional packaging, and OEM/ODM services for international buyers. Whether you are sourcing Arabica or Robusta, our bulk supply ensures you get the right beans for your market.