Maragogipe

Maragogipe is a natural mutation of Typica discovered near the town of Maragogipe in Bahia, Brazil, in the 1870s, famous for producing the largest beans of any Arabica — so-called 'elephant beans.' Its yields are low and the tree is leggy, but its size and gentle, smooth cup gave it niche appeal and, crucially, made it a parent of Pacamara. It remains a curiosity variety valued more for novelty and breeding than volume.

At a glance

• Scientific name: Coffea arabica var. maragogipe
• Parent varieties: Typica
• Identified: 1870
• Flavor: Mild, sweet, smooth with low acidity.
• Aroma: Soft, sweet.
• Disease resistance: Low
• Cup potential: Good