One of the two major varieties of Arabica
In a previous article , we talked about coffee plant varieties, but this time we will focus on Bourbon , one of the two major varieties of Arabica: Typica and Bourbon .
By the way, as I mentioned in my previous article , this variety is not a species on the plant Manabu , but a "cultivated variety."
These two cultivars are considered the two major varieties of Arabica because many of the coffee varieties grown today are derived from these two lineages.
Although Bourbon itself is less common, it is still cultivated and can be drunk as coffee.
First, let me explain the history of how this variety spread around the world.
By the way, as I mentioned in my previous article , this variety is not a species on the plant Manabu , but a "cultivated variety."
These two cultivars are considered the two major varieties of Arabica because many of the coffee varieties grown today are derived from these two lineages.
Although Bourbon itself is less common, it is still cultivated and can be drunk as coffee.
First, let me explain the history of how this variety spread around the world.
Two major varieties brought from Yemen
Both Bourbon and Typica are descendants of coffee that was introduced from Yemen.
The exact origins of human cultivation of coffee are unknown, but coffee use in Yemen began in the 15th century, and it was cultivated in earnest by the latter half of the 15th century.
The Ottoman Empire and the Islamic Shiite dynasties that ruled the area are said to have banned the export of coffee trees and seeds, but in the late 17th century, they were taken to India and cultivated, and from there Typica strain was transplanted to Java.
On the other hand, Bourbon is said to have originated from coffee seedlings that were given to a French merchant by the King of Yemen in the early 18th century.
The seedling was sent to Reunion Island ( Bourbon Island), a colony that France was developing, and cultivation began, but it is said that only one seedling survived due to the different environment and climate.
As it is a self-pollinating Arabica species, the offspring of this plant multiplied across the island, making Reunion the first French colony to successfully cultivate coffee.
And the descendant of this one tree is " Bourbon ."
The exact origins of human cultivation of coffee are unknown, but coffee use in Yemen began in the 15th century, and it was cultivated in earnest by the latter half of the 15th century.
The Ottoman Empire and the Islamic Shiite dynasties that ruled the area are said to have banned the export of coffee trees and seeds, but in the late 17th century, they were taken to India and cultivated, and from there Typica strain was transplanted to Java.
On the other hand, Bourbon is said to have originated from coffee seedlings that were given to a French merchant by the King of Yemen in the early 18th century.
The seedling was sent to Reunion Island ( Bourbon Island), a colony that France was developing, and cultivation began, but it is said that only one seedling survived due to the different environment and climate.
As it is a self-pollinating Arabica species, the offspring of this plant multiplied across the island, making Reunion the first French colony to successfully cultivate coffee.
And the descendant of this one tree is " Bourbon ."
Spreading to Latin America and Africa
In the mid-19th century, Bourbon was brought from Reunion Island to São Paulo, Brazil, where it was widely cultivated due to the suitable climate, and eventually became the primary variety grown in Central and South America.
Bourbon was also brought to East Africa by French missionaries, and it is said that the cultivars SL28 and SL34 grown in Kenya and Tanzania were selected from this Bourbon .
Additionally, mutations of Bourbon such as Caturra and Percus have arisen in Central America, and many more cultivars have been created through hybridization between these.
Bourbon was also brought to East Africa by French missionaries, and it is said that the cultivars SL28 and SL34 grown in Kenya and Tanzania were selected from this Bourbon .
Additionally, mutations of Bourbon such as Caturra and Percus have arisen in Central America, and many more cultivars have been created through hybridization between these.
However, Bourbon itself was eventually replaced by newer varieties, which lacked the resistance to coffee rust and were less productive than the hybrid cultivars they were bred to produce, even though they were considered to have better flavor.
Characteristics of Bourbon
Yellow Bourbon with ripe yellow fruit The distinctive feature of Bourbon coffee beans is their size. Compared to other varieties, Bourbon tend to be smaller. Coffee cherries are generally red, but yellow ones also exist. Yellow coffee cherries are called yellow Bourbon (amarelos) and are traded as rare coffee beans.
Bourbon has a rich, full-bodied flavor. It is mellow and sweet. Yellow Bourbon in particular is said to have a sweeter taste than regular Bourbon .
Bourbon coffee was originally grown in many countries. However, many countries have now switched to growing other coffee beans that are more productive, and it has become a rare variety. Famous Bourbon producing countries today include Brazil in South America, Guatemala in Central America, and Rwanda in East Africa.
Bourbon has a rich, full-bodied flavor. It is mellow and sweet. Yellow Bourbon in particular is said to have a sweeter taste than regular Bourbon .
Bourbon coffee was originally grown in many countries. However, many countries have now switched to growing other coffee beans that are more productive, and it has become a rare variety. Famous Bourbon producing countries today include Brazil in South America, Guatemala in Central America, and Rwanda in East Africa.
Taste Bourbon Coffee Brands
At CROWD ROASTER , we carry two brands: SJBA, a rare brand of Brazilian Bourbon that is finished with the Anaerobic Natural method, and YBB, a Colombian Yellow Bourbon that is finished with a refined method called Gold Wash.
Both are unique brands based on high-quality Bourbon .
If you are interested in Bourbon coffee, please give it a try. You can see the details of the brand below.
