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The Past and Present of Bourbon Varieties: What is Bourbon Coffee and Arabica Cultivated on Bourbon Island

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee
Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Professional coffee knowledge exchange and more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account: cafe_style). FrontStreet Coffee - Bourbon Coffee Variety Introduction: Basic introduction to coffee varieties - Bourbon (Bourbon): A mutation from early Typica, it is one of the varieties closest to the original species alongside Typica. After France transplanted round Mocha beans from Yemen to Bourbon Island on the east coast of Africa in 1715, it began to receive attention and cultivation.

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FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Bourbon Coffee Varieties

Basic Introduction to Coffee Varieties - Bourbon

Bourbon is a mutation of early Typica, and like Typica, it is one of the varieties closest to the original species. It gained attention in 1715 after France transplanted round beans from Mocha, Yemen to Bourbon Island on the east coast of Africa. Bourbon is mainly characterized by round beans, and like Typica, it has excellent flavor quality, with wine-like acidity and a sweet aftertaste.

Origin and Spread of Bourbon

The Bourbon variety originated on Saint Helena Island. Its terminal young leaves are green, commonly known as "Green Top Bourbon" or "Round Bourbon." Scientific name: Coffee Arabica L. var. bourbon Rodr. Ex. Choussy. In 1732, the British East India Company introduced it from Yemen, contrary to French claims that "Yemen Mocha was transplanted to Bourbon Island and mutated into Round Bourbon." Yemen was the bridgehead from which Typica and Bourbon spread from Ethiopia. Round Bourbon is cultivated in Brazil and other Central American countries, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Historical Timeline of Bourbon

(1) 1715-1727: In 1715, the French East India Company took 60 coffee seedlings from Yemen and planted them on Bourbon Island, where two survived and were named Round Bourbon. In 1717, the French brought a batch of Round Bourbon seedlings from Yemen.

(2) 1732: The British East India Company took Bourbon coffee seedlings from Yemen to Saint Helena Island for cultivation. To this day, coffee farmers on the island call it Green Top Bourbon.

(3) 1810: Pointed Bourbon appeared on Bourbon Island.

(4) 1860: The French transplanted Pointed Bourbon to New Caledonia Island in eastern Australia.

(5) 1860-1870: Brazil introduced the Bourbon variety, which gradually replaced Typica.

(6) After 1900: French missionaries introduced Bourbon from Bourbon Island to Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Except for Ethiopia, these regions still primarily grow Bourbon or SL28, SL34 varieties, while Asia mainly grows Typica.

(7) After 2000: Colombia and Brazil have small amounts of Pointed Bourbon.

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