What are the important qualities of rare genetic varieties in this country
With over 500 known variations of coffee available across the world and likely thousands more, there's a vast assortment to choose from. Not only are these options fascinating by flavor profile, but each variety also has its unique traits — whether it be disease resistance or increased productivity — that make them desirable additions to any cup. But some types even offer a combination of several advantages! From naturally occurring cross-breeds to those specifically cultivated in laboratories, certain varieties become especially sought after for their added benefits.
In Brazil, a variety of organizations are devoted to creating fresh varieties of coffee. The IAC Agronomic Institute is the most renowned and holds ownership over the nation's coffee genetic bank. An outstanding 90% percent of Arabica trees in this country trace their origins back to breeds developed by this institute!
Now that we've explored the immense selection of coffee in Brazil, let's explore some exciting Brazilian varieties. These coffees are a testament to the hard work and dedication from years of research conducted by scientists-breeders at IAC.
Obata is an outstanding variety of unparalleled pedigree, renowned for its high yields.
Distinguish between red and yellow obata.
An extraordinary, rare gem of a variety, the Red Obata is created by combining two equally remarkable varieties - Sarchimor and Mundo Novo. The former is a hybrid of Timor and Villa Sarcha with rust resistance that originates from its large-sized leaves, while the latter is an exceptionally high-yielding Bourbon-Typica hybrid notable for its considerable disease resistance capabilities.
In 1972, the first Red Obata tree was planted in Campinas, a thriving city located in Southeastern Brazil. After eight years of meticulous selection and cultivation, this variety was released to the public in 2000. Not only does it offer impressive yields but is also resistant to coffee leaf rust – making it an ideal crop for farmers all around!
By cross-breeding the red obata with a yellow catuai, researchers were able to cultivate an entirely new strain - the yellow obata. From 1992 onward, this variety was subjected to rigorous selection on various farms in Minas Gerais, and it has since demonstrated unparalleled resistance against leaf rust.
Reaping the benefits of a high yield, Obata is known to be both challenging and labor-intensive. However, its flavor delivers an exquisite combination of citrus and chocolate that make it well worth the effort.
The Arara was eventually unveiled in 2012 and highly impervious to diseases
After several years of careful cultivation, the Arara was eventually unveiled in 2012. This unique hybrid was quite a surprise to farmers, it is the result of an inadvertent cross between two different varietals - Red Obata and Yellow Catuai. While they may take longer than usual to mature, what makes these plants interesting is that they are highly impervious to diseases despite their parentage!
With many advantages, the Arara coffee tree brings immense potential. From its generous yield and substantial berries to its shorter stature which makes harvesting far simpler compared to taller trees – this variety is sure to exceed expectations in terms of quality! Expect a cup with high marks from your harvest of these remarkable trees.
This robust variety has a remarkable ability to adapt to different growing conditions, making it drought-resistant and well-suited for rainy climates. Furthermore, the berries attach firmly to their branches providing an ample harvest with ease.
Furthermore, the arara tree is exceptionally resistant to numerous diseases including coffee rust, bacterial necrosis, and leaf spot - a quality that makes them uniquely advantageous.
Though Arara berries take longer to ripen than other varieties, this can be treated as a benefit. By cultivating different maturation periods in their crops, producers can unburden their staff during the harvesting season.
It is said that arara's remarkable flavor comes from a lengthy maturation process. Sugars and acids accumulate within the berries, enriching the cup with complexity. However, pinpointing particular tastes or aromas associated with this variety can be tricky since they are dependent on the environment in which it was grown.
At the Brazilian Specialty Coffee Association Championship in 2019, Arara received a score of 92.5 points.
Arara quickly became a hit in Brazil due to its numerous benefits.
Ouro Verde - Gives a high cup quality but is prone to disease.
In 1961, a brilliant breeder crossed the yellow catuai and mundo novo varieties in Campinas to produce Ouro Verde. This new hybrid was created with the intention of being both more productive and hardier than existing cultivars. After years of testing, this crossbreed became officially available to growers by 2000.
Boasting a glossy dark green hue, mature leaves of Ouro Verde take on an entirely new look from their newly grown counterparts — vibrant emerald hues. These plants also produce red berries that add to the captivating beauty of this unique species!
Ouro Verde, a species with exceptionally high cup quality and drought-tolerant characteristics, is larger and more productive than its predecessor the yellow catuai. Though it does possess some robust features, Ouro Verde is at risk of developing coffee leaf rust.
The variety has a mild sweet taste with hints of nuts and fruits.
Topazio is a small-sized variety that yields great harvest potential.
The Topazio hybrid was initially discovered at the IAC Agronomic Institute in the 1960s, and then further perfected by EPAMIG, an organization devoted to agricultural research in Minas Gerais. This unique variety is a combination of Mundo Novo and Yellow Catuai beans.
Boasting remarkable yields, this variety is the perfect selection for cultivating on large farms. ©jadecoffee.com.tw
Named after the gemstone topaz, Topazio produces its dark yellow-hued berries on small trees that boast a high level of productivity. With even ripening of all fruits, harvesting can be achieved mechanically with ease. As a bonus, it's also highly resistant to diseases!
Boasting remarkable yields, this variety is the perfect selection for cultivating on large farms.
Topazio's scent is distinct, combining tones of chocolate, nuts, fruits, and biscuits.
Catigua - rust resistant
In 1980, a group of breeders saw an opportunity to explore the possibilities and set out on their mission. By cross-breeding a yellow catuai with a Timor hybrid, they created something truly unique: A coffee variety that was resistant to rust! Through several stages of selection, this one seed has become what it is today -- an extraordinary specimen praised for its strength and resilience.
Researchers have developed three varieties of catigua, MG1, MG2, and MG3. All of them are immune to coffee rust while the latter is additionally resistant to gall nematode, a worm-like agricultural pest that targets root systems. Due to their small size, these trees can be planted more closely together than bigger species.
Catigua trees, which are usually low in height, provide an ideal environment for both manual and mechanical harvesting.©jadecoffee.com.tw
Catigua tantalizes the taste buds with delicate floral, citrus, chocolate, and alcohol notes.
Conclusion
In Brazil, intensive research and development at universities and institutions revolve around the cultivation of coffee. Agronomists and biologists strive to identify the most suitable varieties of beans that are both disease-resistant while also creating a high cup quality and yield.
Every now and then, plantations yield natural hybrids with sought-after qualities. Nevertheless, these must go through selection before they can be made accessible to producers.