What is in a coffee varietal? Impact of the sun and disease.
Have you ever wondered about the different coffee varietals and how they impact the way coffee resists disease and climate change? Let's dive into the fascinating world of coffee cultivation and the evolution from traditional varietals to sun grown varietals to a return towards shade grown coffees. Explore the intricate relationship between coffee varietals and their resilience to external factors like disease and climate change.
Frank Bendana: A Pioneer in Sun Grown Coffees
Frank Bendaña, with his Ph.D. and research background from the University of Florida and Yale, was a pioneer in sun grown coffees. At one point, he achieved the highest yields in Nicaragua thanks to his expertise. As advances in the coffee business. However, the revolution of sun grown coffees[1] led to plummeting prices and stressed bird species[2] like the quetzal, prompting El Quetzal to overhaul its approach. El Quetzal decided to shift towards a more sustainable approach, focusing on shade-grown coffees to protect the local ecosystem and preserve bird habitats.
Seeking the Best Tasting Cups of Coffee
After the decline in return of sun grown coffees, El Quetzal shifted its focus to seeking the best tasting cups of coffee. Since it's introduction in the 1990's Java coffee has long been a standout from El Quetzal, new varietals like Geisha are now producing very modern tasting coffees that are capturing the attention of coffee enthusiasts worldwide.
As the demand for high-quality, flavorful coffee continues to rise, the shift towards shade grown coffees is gaining momentum. Shade grown coffees not only offer a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option, but they also contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and the protection of natural habitats. Consumers seeking the highest quality and most flavorful coffee are increasingly turning to shade grown options, making it a growing trend in the industry. Beyond just being a sustainable and eco-friendly choice, these coffees play a vital role in preserving biodiversity and safeguarding our natural ecosystems.
From traditional varietals to sun grown coffees to shade grown coffees, coffee lovers can appreciate the complexity of flavors different varietals offer. Classic Catuai or modern Geisha, there's a coffee for every palate.
Sources:
- Rocha, José Luis "The Chronicle of Coffee: History, Responsibility and Questions." https://www.revistaenvio.org/articulo/1523. Accessed 7 December 2024
- LÓPEZ-SAMPSON, A. ., SEPÚLVEDA, N. ., BARRIOS, M. ., SOMARRIBA, E. ., MUNGUÍA, R. ., MORAGA, P., PONCE, A. ., OROZCO-AGUILAR, L. ., NAVARRETE, E. ., & NAVARRETE, L. . (2020). Long-term effects of shading and input levels on coffee yields in the Pacific region of Nicaragua. TROPICAL WOODS & FORESTS , 346 , 21–33. https://doi.org/10.19182/bft2020.346.a36292
