Typica

Typica, is one of the two genetically important Arabica coffees. Similar to Bourbon, Typica originated from Ethiopia and cultivated as crop in Yemen.

History

In 1706, a single Typica coffee plant was taken from Yemen, planted in a nursery in Amsterdam and subsequently brought to their colonies in Java and Dutch Guiana (now Suriname). Subsequently in 1714, the mayor of Amsterdam gifted a coffee plant to King Louis IV of France and was planted in a conservatory in Paris. The seedlings of the tree was then planted in the French colony of Martinique.

From these two important events, Typica quickly spread throughout the Caribbean, Central and South Americas. Until the 1940s, the majority of coffee plantations in Central America were planted with Typica. Typica has gradually been replaced, but is still widely planted in Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.

Genetic Trait

Typica coffee trees have a cone shape and grows at a slant. Though it grows better and taller than Bourbon, it tends to have lower yields. It is also susceptible to coffee diseases and pests.

Taste Profile

Generally, Typica is comparable with Bourbon and has excellent cup quality.

Want to learn more about Coffee Varieties? Read: Coffee Varieties: How To Taste Coffee By Its Variety