Typica Coffee : Queen of the Coffee World

One variety in the vast world of coffee stands out as a true OG: Typica. This grandmama of Coffea Arabica has been around for ages, and its genetic fingerprints can be found in many other varieties that we enjoy today. Typica might not produce a ton of beans, but what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. Its beans are prized by coffee lovers for their unique flavor.

Historical Journey of Typica Coffee

Typica's journey began in the 15th and 16th centuries when it was taken from southwestern Ethiopia to Yemen. Over the centuries, its seeds travelled through various routes, planting the roots of Typica across the world:

• Late 1600s: Seeds from Yemen were sown in India.

• 1696–1699: Coffee seeds were sent from the Malabar coast of India to Batavia (Java, Indonesia), leading to the distinct Typica variety.

• 1706: A single plant from Java reached Amsterdam's botanical gardens, eventually reaching France in 1714.

• 1719: Seeds were sent to Dutch Guiana (now Suriname).

• 1722: Reached Cayenne (French Guiana).

• 1723: Transplanted to Martinique in the West Indies.

• 1727: Arrived in northern Brazil from French Guiana.

• 1730: Introduced to Jamaica by the English from Martinique.

• 1735: Reached Santo Domingo.

• 1740: Cultivation began in El Salvador.

• 1748: Spread to Cuba from Santo Domingo.

• 1760–1770: Expanded to southern Brazil.

• 1779: Sent from Cuba to Costa Rica.

• 1840: Extended to El Salvador from Cuba.

Throughout the late 18th century, Typica spread across the Caribbean, Mexico, Colombia, and eventually throughout Central America.

Reference: World Coffee Research

Typica Coffee Genetic Description and Varietal Influence

Typica, a member of the Bourbon-Typica family, is like a genetic grandparent to many Arabica coffees. Its DNA has spread far and wide, resulting in lots of different names and related varieties popping up around the globe. Think of it like this:

• Criollo (Creole): in Spanish-speaking countries.

• Indio (Indian): from its early cultivation in India

• Arábigo (Arabica): pointing to its Arabian roots.

• Blue Mountain: grown in Jamaica's Blue Mountains.

• Sumatra: found in Sumatra, Indonesia

Spreading and adapting

Typica spreading journey show its adaptability to various climates. Its cultivation has significantly shaped the coffee landscapes in regions such as the Caribbean, Central and South America:

• Until the 1940s: Dominated plantations in South and Central America.

• Post-1940s: Gradually replaced due to low yields and disease susceptibility, but remains cultivated in Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.

Characteristics of Typica Coffee

Typica is a tall coffee tree, with bronze-tipped leaves and big beans. It doesn't produce a ton of coffee, but what it does make is top-notch, especially when grown up high in the mountains. Quality over quantity, you could say.

Cultivation Considerations:

Location and Altitude:

• Central America: Produces high-quality beans.

• Optimal Altitude: Varies from 1000m to above 1600m in equatorial regions and 700m to above 1300m in areas further from the equator.

Nutritional Requirements and Planting Density:

• Requires moderate nutritional input.

• Typically planted at a density of 3000–4000 plants per hectare with single-stem pruning.

Reference: World Coffee Research

Typica Coffee Group Varieties

Several varieties have originated from Typica, each adapted to specific regions and conditions:

• Nyasaland: a Malawi local.

• SL14: Kenyan varieties built to resist disease and deliver great taste.

• Pache: From Guatemala, a natural mutation of Typica.

• SL34: Kenyan varieties built to resist disease and deliver great taste.

• Mibirizi: From Burundi, known for local adaptation and quality.

• Batian: Developed in Kenya for disease resistance and quality.

• Mundo Novo: A Brazilian hybrid of Typica and Bourbon, known for yield and adaptability.

• Maragogype: Brazilian, famous for large beans (elephant beans).

• Catuai: a high-yield, high-quality Brazilian hybrid.

• Pacamara: A Salvadoran hybrid known for its unique flavor profile.

• Pop3303/21, Harrar Rwanda, Caripe: Lesser-known yet significant due to genetic lineage.

Conclusion

Typica isn't just a coffee; it's a legend. It's a bit fussy (low yields, prone to disease), but those beans are pure magic when grown in the right spot. That's why it's a specialty coffee, darling.