For many wine enthusiasts, names like Merlot and Pinot Noir are familiar. These names signify particular grape varieties used in wine production, each with distinct characteristics that affect flavor and appearance. A similar concept applies to coffee, where the variety of the coffee cherry impacts the beans' properties.
Coffee enthusiasts might recognize names like Caturra, Heirloom, or Margogipe on their bags of coffee. Each of these names denotes specific coffee varieties, carefully cultivated to thrive in particular regions or to resist specific diseases and adverse conditions. The distinctive attributes of these varieties enrich the coffee experience, offering unique flavors and qualities for coffee lovers to explore.
What Are Varietals In Coffee?
Varietals are specific subspecies or cultivated varieties of coffee plants. These varietals have distinct characteristics and flavor profiles attributed to their genetic differences and the environments in which they are grown.
Major Coffee Varietals:
- Arabica (Coffea arabica): Known for its smooth, complex flavors, and lower caffeine content.
- Robusta (Coffea canephora): Features a stronger, harsher taste and higher caffeine levels.
- Liberica (Coffea liberica): Offers a unique, woody flavor with larger, irregularly shaped beans.
- Excelsa (Coffea excelsa): A subtype of Liberica, known for its tart, fruity taste.
Factors Influencing Varietal Characteristics:
- Geography: Altitude, climate, and soil conditions play a significant role in the taste and quality of varietals.
- Cultivation: Farming practices, such as shade-grown or sun-grown methods, impact coffee flavors.
- Processing: The way coffee cherries are processed (washed, natural, or honey) influences the final flavor profile.
Popular Arabica Varietals:
- Bourbon: Sweet, complex flavors with good acidity.
- Typica: Clean, balanced taste with a higher level of sweetness.
- SL28 and SL34: Known for their strong, wine-like flavors and excellent quality.
- Geisha (Gesha): Highly prized for its floral, jasmine-like aroma and bright acidity.
Selecting Varietals:
When choosing coffee, understanding varietals can enhance the appreciation of different flavor notes and profiles. Each varietal offers a unique sensory experience, contributing to the diverse world of coffee.
Varieties of Popular Coffee:
Typica Varietal
Originating from the original coffee tree brought to Latin America, Typica is well-loved for its clean and sweet notes. It stands out for its excellent quality in the cup, a consistent choice for those seeking a delightful coffee experience. Typica is the go-to for premium coffees like Kona or Jamaican Blue Mountain.
Bourbon Varietal
Introduced on the Island of Bourbon, Bourbon beans distinguish themselves as a mutation from the Typica varietal. This varietal offers a higher productivity rate, roughly 30% more than Typica, making it appealing for farmers. Known for its complex and sweet flavor profile, Bourbon has made its way into many coffee farms across Central and South America.
Caturra Varietal
A smaller, more productive cousin of Bourbon, Caturra emerged in Brazil near the town of Caturra. Its compact size and high yield make it a favorite among farmers. Though it may not match Bourbon's clarity, Caturra is cherished for its bright acidity and practicality in cultivation.
Catimor Varietal
Catimor brings an interesting blend, combining Caturra with the Timor Hybrid, which itself is part Arabica and part Robusta. This mix results in beans that have the robustness and resistance of Robusta, along with the preferred traits of Arabica. Catimor's higher bitterness, increased caffeine content, and resistance to pests make it a favorable choice for many farmers.
Geisha Varietal
Geisha's journey from Ethiopia to Panama revolutionized the specialty coffee world. Known for breaking price records, this varietal is a standout favorite for its unique flavor profile and exceptional quality. Geisha carries an almost mythical status among coffee connoisseurs due to its rich history and remarkable performance in global coffee auctions.
Pacamara Varietal
Pacamara is an intriguing hybrid of Maragogype and Pacas. Maragogype, noted for its large beans but low productivity, spurred the creation of Pacamara, which offers better yields. Preferred by farmers, this giant varietal strikes a balance between quality and practical farming advantages.
Obata Varietal
Obata, a rare gem, traces its lineage from Sarchimor and Mundo Novo. This varietal offers an impressive yield and resistance to coffee leaf rust, crucial for sustainability in changing climates. The journey of Obata on a Honduran farm showcases its potential to produce excellent coffee while ensuring farm resilience against natural challenges.
Topazio Varietal
Developed in Brazil by the Agronomic Institute of Campinas in the 1960s, Topazio is a hybrid of Red Catuai and Mundo Novo. This varietal embodies the strengths of its parent varietals, providing Brazilian farmers with a robust option suited for diverse conditions. Known for supporting innovative agricultural practices, Topazio is a testament to scientific advancement in coffee cultivation.
Ethiopian Heirloom
Coming from Ethiopia is a gem often referred to as 'Ethiopian Heirloom'. This name exists because Ethiopia hosts between six and ten thousand unique coffee varieties. With such a vast number, comprehensive genetic testing becomes challenging. As wild cross-pollination happens naturally, 'Ethiopian Heirloom' acts as a catch-all term for these varieties.
Each village or town in Ethiopia might possess its distinct type of coffee, each with unique attributes. This mystery adds to the intrigue of Ethiopian coffee.
Ethiopia holds the title of the birthplace of coffee, meaning coffee was initially discovered here. The journey of how coffee spread globally from this origin is a tale in itself.
Key Points:
- Origin: Ethiopia
- Varieties: Between 6,000 and 10,000
- Unique Traits: Each locality may have different varieties
- Significance: Birthplace of coffee
Ethiopian coffee, with its diverse and mysterious nature, continues to fascinate coffee aficionados.
Interested In Learning More?
The world of coffee varietals is vast and ever-expanding. Mutation and cross-pollination have contributed to the diversity we encounter today.
Consider the countless coffee types found in Ethiopia alone. Identifying each one would require extensive genetic testing. Specialty coffee organizations are keen on pursuing this, but it's a challenging and ambitious goal. Check out the World Coffee Research for their global catalog of Arabica and Robusta varieties from around the world to learn more!
For those passionate about coffee, exploring these varieties can be both exciting and overwhelming. Discovering the unique characteristics of each one can bring a deeper appreciation for every cup. Whether you're a casual drinker or a coffee connoisseur, there's always more to learn and taste!
