Intro to Honduran Coffee Varietals
Honduras—our home country— is the largest exporter of green coffee in Central America. The country's diverse terrain and varied microclimates make it suitable for growing a wide range of coffee Arabica varietals, including (but not limited to) the following most common varieties: Bourbon, Catuai, Caturra, Lempira, Pacas, and IH90.
Here is a quick overview of each:
Bourbon: Bourbon is a widely-grown coffee varietal all over the world. It is a tall tree with a medium yield potential and is well adapted to higher altitudes. It also has many notable descendents, some of which include Caturra, Catuai, and Munro Novo.
Catuai: Catuai is a hybrid of the Caturra and Mundo Novo varieties, and is known for its high yield and resistance to disease.
Caturra: Caturra is a natural mutation of the Bourbon varietal. Originally discovered in Brazil between 1915-1918, it was introduced to Honduras about 30 years later. It is known for its compact size, high yield, and being one of the “parents” of the Catimor family of cultivars.
Lempira: Lempira is a high yielding varietal which has adapted to warm zones and acidic soils. It has a dwarf/compact stature and is a hybrid of the Timor and Caturra varietals.
Pacas: Pacas are a common varietal in Central America. This varietal was first believed to be discovered in 1949 in El Salvador. While it has a good yield potential, it is especially susceptible to leaf rust. These dwarf/compact trees are a natural mutation of the Bourbon varietal.
IH90: IHCAFE90 is a Timor/Caturra hybrid selected by the Honduran Coffee Institute (IHCAFE). This dwarf plant can produce high coffee yields and is adapted to lower altitudes and requires plenty of fertilization.
Many farmers will plant a combination of varietals to ensure crop sustainability, reduce risk of susceptibility to leaf rust, and enhance the flavor profile of a coffee. For example, our main family farm, Santa Lucia, is a combination of Lempira, IH90, and Caturra varietals.
Honduras offers a diverse range of coffee varieties that offer unique flavor profiles and growing conditions. Whether you’re looking for a smooth, well-balanced cup or a sweet, aromatic one, you can find a coffee from Honduras that will suit your preferences. If you have any questions regarding varietals in Honduras, let us know!
