Coffee culture

How Good Are Coffee Beans Grown in Yunnan? Introduction to Yunnan Coffee Varieties

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 public account: cafe_style). FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Yunnan Coffee Varieties. Did you know that coffee is also grown in China? The main growing areas are: Yunnan, Hainan, and Taiwan. Among these, Yunnan's coffee is the most famous. The coffee beans produced in Yunnan are of the Arabica species, while the coffee beans from Hainan are basically
Yunnan Coffee Varieties

FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Yunnan Coffee Varieties

Did you know that coffee is also grown in China? The main coffee-producing regions are: Yunnan, Hainan, and Taiwan. Among these, Yunnan coffee is the most famous. Coffee beans produced in Yunnan are of the Arabica variety, while coffee beans from Hainan are primarily of the Robusta variety. Taiwan mainly cultivates Arabica coffee trees as well.

When mentioning Yunnan coffee, the term "Yunnan small-grain coffee" might come to mind. Most people would say "Yunnan small-grain coffee - mellow and aromatic without bitterness, rich but not intense." Therefore, many classify Yunnan coffee as the "small-grain variety," and naturally evaluate its flavor as "aromatic without bitterness, rich but not intense."

Regardless of whether this is correct, strictly speaking, among the more than 900 named coffee varieties, there is no term "small-grain variety." Therefore, this "small-grain variety" cannot strictly be considered a coffee variety; it is merely a nickname given by Yunnan people to this variety. In fact, the proper name for Yunnan "small-grain coffee" should be Arabica - Typica or Arabica - Bourbon.

Coffee originates from the tropical regions of Africa. Because coffee is rich in protein, fat, sucrose, as well as starch, glucose, caffeine, and other substances, it has a rich aroma and pleasant taste. Since the 15th century, it has gradually spread to all parts of the world. Currently, more than 70 countries and regions worldwide grow coffee. Coffee is a perennial evergreen shrub or small tree of the genus Coffea in the Rubiaceae family, with many varieties. The widely cultivated ones include small-grain, medium-grain, large-grain, and Excelsa varieties. Among these, the small-grain coffee variety, known as "aromatic coffee," has the highest production, accounting for more than 80% of total coffee production.

The tropical, subtropical regions and low-heat valley areas in southern and southwestern Yunnan Province are all suitable for growing small-grain coffee. Yunnan has a history of 80-90 years of coffee cultivation. All coffee produced in Yunnan is small-grain coffee, with uniform and full particles, mellow taste, and high aroma, making it highly popular for export. In recent years, places like Lincang, Baoshan, Dehong, and Xishuangbanna have adapted to local conditions, utilizing and leveraging their natural advantages to gradually expand coffee cultivation areas. Production has grown steadily, showing promising development prospects.

Knowledge Extension

Most of the coffee currently planted in Yunnan is Catimor, a hybrid of the Bourbon-line branch Caturra from the Arabica variety and Robusta.

Conclusion

In short: FrontStreet Coffee is a coffee research hub, 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 coffee events with significant discounts. This is because FrontStreet Coffee wants to let more friends enjoy the best coffee at the lowest price. This has been FrontStreet Coffee's mission for the past 6 years!

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