Typica

Typica is one of the two foundational Arabica cultivar lineages from which most others descend. Carried from Yemen to the Dutch colony of Java around 1700 and then to the Americas via a single plant in the Amsterdam botanical garden and the Caribbean in the 18th century, Typica seeded coffee cultivation across much of the world. It is tall, low-yielding, and susceptible to disease, but prized for an exceptionally clean, sweet cup; many celebrated regional types — Jamaica Blue Mountain, Kona, Sumatra's old stock — are Typica descendants.

At a glance

• Scientific name: Coffea arabica var. typica
• Identified: 1700
• Flavor: Clean, sweet, balanced with gentle acidity.
• Aroma: Soft floral and sweet.
• Disease resistance: Low
• Cup potential: High