1. Typica: The mother of all varieties
Typica is one of the oldest and genetically most significant Arabica varieties in the world. Originally from Ethiopia, Typica spread via Yemen to India and later to Central and South America. The flavor is mild, often with a light sweetness and delicate fruit notes. This variety stands for tradition and quality and forms the basis of many modern cultivars.
2. Bourbon: The queen of sweetness
Known for its pronounced sweetness and high quality, Bourbon is one of the most popular varieties worldwide. Originally from Yemen, it was later introduced to Île Bourbon and spread to Africa and South America. The plant is susceptible to disease, but it yields excellent crops with complex aromas.
3. Caturra: The economical all-rounder
A natural mutation of the Bourbon variety, Caturra was discovered in Brazil. With a compact growth habit and high yields, it is one of the most economically important varieties in Central America. In the cup, Caturra is characterized by a balanced acidity and a light sweetness.
4. Villa Sarchi: The adaptation artist
This variety originates from Costa Rica and is notable for its robustness at high altitudes. Villa Sarchi offers complex aromas and is particularly well adapted to windy and mountainous regions, making it ideal for organic and Demeter cultivation.
5. Catuai: The yield miracle tree
Catuai is a cross between Mundo Novo and Caturra. With its high productivity and small, space-saving plants, Catuai is especially popular with coffee farmers in Brazil, Costa Rica and Honduras. In terms of flavor, this variety offers bright acidity and light fruit notes.
6. Pacamara: The large bean with character
Pacamara, a cross between Pacas and Maragogype, is characterized by its huge beans and complex aromas. Grown at the highest altitudes in Central America, it offers chocolatey and fruity notes, an absolute highlight for connoisseurs.
7. Geisha: The world-renowned rarity
Geisha, one of the most expensive and sought-after varieties in the world, originally comes from Ethiopia and achieved worldwide fame in Panama. With floral, jasmine-like and fruity aromas, it is a must for those seeking something special. Geisha coffees often cost several hundred euros per kilo and are considered a jewel of the coffee world.
8. Heirloom: The wild diversity of Ethiopia
The term "Heirloom" encompasses numerous wild varieties from Ethiopia. These varieties offer impressive genetic diversity and unmistakable flavor profiles that range from fruity to floral.
9. SL28: The long-lived legend
SL28 was developed in Kenya in the 1930s and is known for its stunning acidity and citrus aromas. The plant is extremely long-lived there are trees that are 60 to 80 years old and still producing.
10. SL34: Tropical taste from Kenya
This variety, also selected in Kenya, offers juicy acidity and tropical aromas. SL34 is particularly robust and delivers an outstanding cup quality that excites coffee connoisseurs worldwide.
11. Ruiru 11: The resistant innovation
After an epidemic of coffee berry disease in Kenya in the 1970s, Ruiru 11 was bred. This variety combines high yields with disease resistance while still delivering excellent cup quality.
Conclusion: Discover the diversity of coffee varieties
The world of coffee is as multifaceted as a mountain panorama each variety is a peak waiting to be climbed. Whether you are looking for the floral notes of Geisha or the complex sweetness of Bourbon, there is a variety for every taste and preference. For organic and Demeter lovers, these varieties offer not only enjoyment but also sustainability and fairness.
