Coffea Eugenioides
Welcome to our exciting coffee journey, where we dive deep into the captivating world of coffee plants! Today, we’re shining the spotlight on a true coffee legend – Coffea Eugenioides, fondly known as the “grandmother of arabica.”
Coffee talk often revolves around the ever-popular arabica beans, yet the incredible contribution of Coffea Eugenioides often goes unnoticed in the vast coffee family.
This coffee plant possesses a fascinating history and distinctive qualities that set it apart from its more famous counterparts. Let’s take a moment to immerse ourselves in the marvels of Coffea Eugenioides and unveil the mysteries that lie within this enchanting plant.
Its origins traverse diverse landscapes, spanning from the arid lowland Savannah to the lush and tropical alpine conditions of the lake Victoria basin.
Over the passage of time, the seeds of Eugenioides embarked on a journey facilitated by birds and other mammals,gradually expanding their domain to include Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Embarking on a transcontinental adventure from Africa to South America, Eugenioides found its new home in Colombia. At Finca la Nubes and finca Inmaculada, this exceptional coffee variety gave rise to outstanding competition lots, capturing the attention and admiration of the Barista Champions. Under the expert hands of Diego Campos, Andra Allen, Hugh Kelly,and Matt Winton, Eugenioides solidified its presence in the global coffee landscape.
While Eugenioides boasts a distinctive and unparalleled flavor profile, its yield remains modest, averaging around 130grams of roasted coffee per plant. This limited production makes it challenging to commercially scale, yet it’s destined to carve a niche for those seeking a rare and exotic coffee experience.
However, Eugenioides offers more than just a unique taste; it contributes valuable genetic diversity. With the genetic pool of arabica lacking in diversity, and the looming threat of climate change, Eugenioides emerges as a potential saviour . It canthrive on forest edges, boasting drought resistance due to its deep taproot, and its low caffeine content adds to its resilience.
In India, the creation of selection 11 through the crossbreeding of Arabica and Eugenioides has yielded intriguing results.
Resembling arabica but featuring narrower leaves, green tips, and oblong, late-ripening berries, selection 11 is a testament to the magic of genetic combination.
If you’re a coffee grower nurturing selection 11, I invite you to connect. Together, we can craft a remarkable and original cup that showcases this hidden gem’s true potential.
This unassuming yet essential part of the coffee legacy has stood the test of time. While arabica and canephora continue to rule the coffee domain, let’s not forget the invaluable contributions made by Coffea Eugenioides.
Marc Tormo.
