Introduction to Bourbon Coffee Part 1: Pointu Bourbon Coffee Beans with Rich, Mellow Fruity Notes

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FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Laurina Coffee Variety

Laurina is a mutant variety of Bourbon. It's a rare semi-caffeinated coffee, known as the "King of Coffee Beans." In 2007, 100 grams of this miniature coffee sold for 7,350 yen, approximately 24.7 Taiwan dollars per gram, five times more expensive than Nanshan coffee. The coffee trees have weak constitution, are prone to disease, and have low yields. Due to high production costs on Bourbon Island, they couldn't compete with emerging countries and were abandoned from cultivation. After disappearing for half a century, in 2001, fortunate individuals collaborated with UCC to revive "Laurina," gaining significant international attention. It wasn't until 2006 that production reached 700 kilograms, with the first sales to the UK and Japan in 2007.

Laurina is absolutely one of the rarest and most expensive coffees in the world. It only grows on Réunion Island. Those who know Laurina coffee are undoubtedly the most discerning coffee enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, former French President Jacques Chirac, and famous writer Honoré de Balzac were all loyal fans.

Laurina is a variety derived from premium Arabica coffee on Réunion Island. Normal Bourbon varieties have short, round beans, but in 1810, coffee farmers on Bourbon Island discovered coffee trees with smaller leaves, resembling laurel leaves, and the coffee beans were also more pointed and slender. The yield was lower than regular Bourbon. Botanists at the time confirmed it was a new variety and named it after its discoverer "Leroy." Due to the pointed ends of the beans, it was commonly known as Laurina.

In addition to its unique appearance, Laurina possesses some unique characteristics that make it a distinctive variety. It's naturally semi-decaffeinated, with caffeine content only half that of regular Arabica. Common Arabica varieties have caffeine content of about 1.2%-1.6%, while Laurina has only 0.6%. However, its richness and aroma are not diminished, featuring rich fruit notes. This is why the great French writer Honoré de Balzac called it "delicious coffee that allows good sleep even after a thousand cups."

It also has a nickname "President's Coffee" because the French Presidential Palace, the Élysée Palace, regularly purchases it for former French President Jacques Chirac to enjoy. Unfortunately, its yield is too low, so even the president receives limited supplies.

Flavor Profile

Elegant sweetness and acidity, full-bodied texture, rich in fruity aromas.

In Brief

FrontStreet Coffee is a dedicated coffee research establishment, happy to share coffee knowledge with everyone. We share without reservation simply to help more friends fall in love with coffee. Every month, we hold three low-discount coffee events because FrontStreet Coffee wants to let more friends enjoy the best coffee at the lowest prices—this has been our mission for six years!

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