The Story Behind Your Favorite Coffee Varieties

Every cup of coffee we enjoy carries a rich history that begins long before it reaches our hands. The coffee varieties we love are not only the result of specific growing conditions but also centuries of evolution, travel, and tradition. Today, we invite you to uncover the roots of some of the most cherished coffee varieties in the world.

Arabica: The Jewel of the Mountains

Arabica coffee, which accounts for about 60% of global production, originates in the highlands of Ethiopia. According to legend, a shepherd named Kaldi discovered coffee's energizing effects when his goats began leaping excitedly after eating red berries.

From Ethiopia, arabica beans traveled across the Red Sea to Yemen, where Sufi monks used coffee to stay awake during long nighttime prayers. Over time, it spread across the Arabian Peninsula and, through trade, reached Europe and Latin America.

This variety is celebrated for its aromatic profile, which can include floral, fruity notes and a refined acidity depending on the growing region. It's perfect for those who enjoy complex and delicate coffees.

Robusta: Strength in a Cup

Robusta coffee, native to West Africa, is known for its resilience. It was discovered in the Congo in the 19th century, and its name reflects its ability to grow in warmer climates and lower altitudes than arabica.

While some associate robusta with a stronger and more bitter flavor, it plays a vital role in the coffee industry. Its dense body and higher caffeine content make it a popular choice for espresso blends and instant coffees.

Today, countries like Vietnam lead robusta production, using it in both traditional preparations and modern trends, such as egg coffee.

Geisha: The Queen of Complexity

The Geisha (or Gesha) variety has a fascinating origin. It was discovered in the mountainous Gesha region of Ethiopia and brought to Central America in the 1950s. For years, it went unnoticed until 2004, when it astonished the world at a specialty coffee competition in Panama.

Geisha is now synonymous with luxury in the coffee world, known for its exquisite notes ranging from jasmine and black tea to tropical fruits. Every cup of Geisha tells a story of dedication and precision, from its cultivation at high altitudes to its carefully measured roasting.

Bourbon and Typica: Pillars of Specialty Coffee

Bourbon and Typica are two of the oldest and most widespread arabica varieties. Typica was carried from Ethiopia to Yemen and then to the rest of the world, becoming the foundation for many modern varieties.

Bourbon, on the other hand, originated on Réunion Island (formerly Bourbon Island). Its beans are distinguished by a natural sweetness and notes of caramel or chocolate. Both stand as living testimonies of how coffee varieties travel, evolve, and adapt to different conditions.

Catuai, Pacamara, and Catimor: Modern Innovations

In recent decades, experimentation has led to the development of hybrids like Catuai (a cross between Mundo Novo and Caturra) and Pacamara (a hybrid of Pacas and Maragogipe). These varieties are cultivated with a focus on productivity, resilience, and unique sensory profiles.

Meanwhile, Catimor varieties combine the robustness of robusta with the quality of arabica, offering a balance between sustainability and flavor. These varieties reflect how science and a passion for coffee work together.

The Legacy in Every Sip

The varieties we enjoy today result from centuries of history, cultures that have embraced coffee as part of their identity, and producers who dedicate their lives to perfecting its cultivation.

The next time you prepare your favorite coffee, take a moment to reflect on all it represents. Behind every bean is a story of tradition, innovation, and love for coffee.

Would you like to explore the varieties we offer in our shop? Let yourself be surprised by the unique flavors that each origin and variety has to tell.