Coffee Varieties and Characteristics: Catuai vs. Catimor - Are Hybrids Superior?

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FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Caturra and Catuai Varieties

The Coffea genus includes over 120 species, typically evergreen shrubs or small trees with horizontal branches and opposite leaves. The fruit contains two seeds, one flat side and the other with a groove (yes, that's the coffee bean!). Most Coffea plants prefer tropical forest habitats. There are approximately 60 species of Coffea plants worldwide, but only about 25 are cultivated for coffee production, with only 4 used as commercial coffee: Coffea liberica, Coffea canephora, Coffea arabica, and Coffea dewevrei.

Caturra

Caturra is a single-gene mutation of Bourbon, with higher yield and disease resistance than Bourbon. The plants are shorter, making harvesting convenient, but like Bourbon, production fluctuates between years. This variety doesn't require shade trees and can thrive in full sun, hence the name "sun bean." Caturra is suitable for cultivation at altitudes of 700-1700 meters, with better flavor quality at higher altitudes but reduced yield. There is also a yellow-fruited variety of Caturra, but its flavor doesn't compare to Yellow Bourbon.

Catuai

Catuai is a hybrid of Mundo Novo and Caturra, inheriting the advantage of short plant stature from Caturra. It addresses two shortcomings: first, it improves upon Mundo Novo's disadvantages; second, the fruit is firm, overcoming the fragility of typical Arabica beans. Unfortunately, its flavor is less complex than Caturra's. Catuai also has red and yellow fruit varieties, with red fruit varieties statistically winning more awards.

Knowledge about coffee tree varieties is fundamental. Coffee bean information typically includes descriptions of the tree variety. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of different coffee varieties helps establish a basic understanding of the bean during roasting, brewing, or sensory evaluation.

Knowledge Point

Arabica coffee is generally believed to originate from the Ethiopian highlands and is widely distributed in tropical regions. Through repeated mutations and breeding, it has given rise to numerous varieties.

In Summary

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