Typica and Bourbon: Surprising Mutation Relationship and How to Distinguish Between Them

FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Typica and Bourbon Coffee Varieties

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Today, let's explore the two oldest varieties among Arabica coffee beans - Typica and Bourbon.

The Typica and Bourbon we're discussing today are the two most ancient families among the "native varieties." They originated from Ethiopia and spread throughout the world, taking on the important mission of bringing delicious coffee to people everywhere.

Typica

In Ethiopia, the recognized homeland of Arabica coffee, there are as many as 2,000 known coffee varieties, with even more unknown varieties waiting to be discovered in the wild coffee forests. Typica is the most ancient and excellent among these native varieties. Typica has given rise to numerous excellent coffee bean varieties, such as Mandheling, Blue Mountain, Maragogipe (Elephant Bean), Kona, and others - all are derivatives of Typica.

However, Typica itself, despite its excellent flavor, has weaker physical constitution, poor disease resistance (susceptible to leaf rust), and low fruit yield, making it economically disadvantageous. In recent years in Central and South America, it has gradually been replaced by Caturra and Catuai (both Bourbon varieties) and has become increasingly rare. The beans are oval-shaped with slightly upturned ends.

Bourbon

Alongside Typica as an ancient and excellent variety is Bourbon. (Some sources suggest that Bourbon is a variant of Typica that was earlier transplanted to Yemen.)

Coffee varieties derived from Bourbon are also extremely rich. Pacas, Red Bourbon, Yellow Bourbon, Kenya's "SL28" and "SL34," Caturra, Villa Sarchi, and others are all direct derivatives of Bourbon.

Moreover, Bourbon itself possesses vigorous vitality and better resistance to leaf rust than Typica, yet its flavor is not inferior to Typica - in fact, it's often even superior, frequently winning in cupping competitions. Therefore, its yield is also slightly higher than Typica. Bourbon beans are shorter and rounder than Typica, with smaller particles.

In Summary:

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