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Differences Between Catimor Coffee Beans and Typica Coffee Beans - How Much Does a Cup of Catimor Coffee Cost

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Professional coffee knowledge exchange. For more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account: cafe_style). The region with the highest quality coffee in Yunnan should be located between 15°N and 23.5°N latitude, where Arabica coffee should be grown on mountainous terrain at altitudes of 800-1800 meters. Southern Yunnan is precisely situated in this golden zone, characterized by low latitude, high altitude, and large temperature differences between day and night. Most of Yunnan's coffee...

Professional Coffee Knowledge Exchange

For more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account: cafe_style).

Yunnan Coffee Growing Region

The highest quality coffee-growing areas in Yunnan should be located between 15°N and 23.5°N latitude. Arabica coffee should be planted on mountainous terrain at elevations of 800-1800 meters. Southern Yunnan is perfectly situated in this golden zone, characterized by low latitude, high altitude, and significant day-night temperature differences. Most Yunnan coffee is cultivated in the dry, hot valley regions at elevations of 1000-2000 meters. These unique natural conditions are particularly suitable for the growth of Arabica coffee, making it the most suitable region in the country for producing high-quality coffee.

Coffee Varieties in Yunnan

According to reports from journalists, Typica and Bourbon, two classic premium coffee varieties, are the main cultivated varieties in Yunnan. In 1991, the Catimor series was introduced from Kenya. This variety has stronger virus resistance and higher yields. Currently, Catimor is the most widely planted variety in the Yunnan region.

How to Distinguish Between Typica and Catimor Coffee Beans?

Typica

Typica is the oldest native variety from Ethiopia, originating from southeastern Ethiopia and Sudan. All Arabica varieties are derived from Typica. It has elegant flavor but weak constitution, poor disease resistance, and low fruit yield. Excellent estate beans such as Jamaica Blue Mountain, Sumatra Mandheling, and Hawaii Kona all belong to the Typica variety. The top leaves of Typica are reddish-bronze in color, earning it the name "red-topped coffee." Typica belongs to the Arabica species.

Catimor Coffee Beans

In 1959, the Portuguese crossed Brazilian Caturra with Timor to create Catimor, a variety with strong disease resistance. Currently, it is an important commercial coffee variety.

Coffee Fruit Development

Coffee fruits have a long development period. Arabica coffee fruits take 8-10 months to mature, typically ripening from October to December of the same year. Rainfall has a significant impact on fruit development, and climatic conditions directly affect the fruit quality.

Identifying Coffee Tree Varieties

The new leaves at the tips of branches and leaves in the image above are copper-colored - this is a Typica coffee tree. Typica is an old variety within the Arabica species. Well-known varieties like Hawaii Kona and Jamaica Blue Mountain are actually Typica varieties. Among a vast field of Catimor, Typica is actually quite easy to identify. After careful observation, you'll find that each variety has its own appearance. Catimor leaves all droop downward, and the tree shape appears to be wearing a cloak. In contrast, Typica has branches that grow upward, with copper-topped new leaves growing at the tree tips.

Current Planting Trends in Yunnan

Throughout Yunnan, most plantings are now Catimor. This variety is a hybrid between the Caturra branch of the Bourbon Arabica lineage and the Robusta species. The reason for planting this variety is that Catimor possesses Robusta genes, making it more disease-resistant than single old varieties, and it also has good yields. Compared to delicate old varieties with poor disease resistance and low yields, farmers naturally prefer to plant Catimor coffee beans. Consequently, a Catimor trend has swept across Yunnan.

Physical Characteristics

Catimor coffee beans are round and thick, while Typica beans are thin and long. The central line of Catimor is irregular. Under the same conditions, Typica quality is superior to Catimor, and the price is also higher.

Flavor Profile

Yunnan Typica Flavor: Rich but not bitter, fragrant but not intense, with floral notes, cantaloupe sweetness in the mid-palate, and a tea-like sensation in the finish.

About FrontStreet Coffee

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