tags: [] - coffee/varieties - coffee/green-beans aliases: - Caturra Amarillo - Caturra Rojo - Bourbon Caturra

Caturra¶

Tags: #coffee/varieties #coffee/green-beans Aliases: Caturra Amarillo, Caturra Rojo, Bourbon Caturra Related: Coffee Origin MOC | Bourbon Variety | Catuai | Arabica | Coffee Plant Science MOC Status: ✅ Complete

Overview¶

Caturra is a natural dwarf mutation of Bourbon Coffea arabica, discovered in Minas Gerais, Brazil, around 1915–1937. It is characterised by its compact, low-growing habit (the dwarf mutation causes shorter internodes between branches), high yield relative to its size, and adaptability across a wide range of altitudes. Caturra is one of the most widely planted Arabica varieties in Central and South America and is a parent variety of several important hybrid varieties including Catuaí, Catimor, and Colombia.

Botanical Characteristics¶

Property	Detail
Species	Coffea arabica
Origin	Natural mutation of Bourbon; discovered in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Plant height	1.5–2 m (dwarf) — significantly shorter than Bourbon (3–4 m)
Internode length	Short — compact, bushy growth habit
Fruit colour	Red (Caturra Rojo) or yellow (Caturra Amarillo)
Yield	High for its size; productive relative to tree footprint
Disease resistance	Susceptible to coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix)

Genetics¶

Caturra resulted from a single gene mutation (the Caturra gene, later identified as a mutation on chromosome 2) producing dwarfism. It retains the full Bourbon genetic background in all other respects. The compact growth habit allows higher planting density, increasing yield per hectare compared to full-size Bourbon plantings.

Flavour Profile¶

Caturra's cup profile reflects its Bourbon genetic background, though it is generally considered slightly less complex than Bourbon at comparable altitudes:

Bright, citric acidity at high altitude
Medium to full body
Notes of caramel, citrus, red apple
Clean, sweet, with moderate complexity
At lower altitudes: reduced brightness; heavier, earthier character

Quality is strongly altitude-dependent. Caturra grown above 1,500 m produces specialty-grade cups; at lower elevations it yields commodity-grade character.

Key Growing Regions¶

Colombia and Central America (Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua) are the primary producing regions for specialty Caturra. It dominated Colombian production for much of the 20^th century before being partially replaced by hybrid varieties with disease resistance.

Key Facts¶

Natural dwarf mutation of Bourbon discovered in Brazil circa 1915–1937
Compact plant (1.5–2 m); high yield per tree; widely planted in Central and South America
Parent of Catuaí, Catimor, Colombia, and other important Arabica hybrids
Susceptible to coffee leaf rust — major vulnerability in disease-affected regions
Cup quality is altitude-dependent; best expression above 1,500 m

References¶

Changelog¶

Date	Change
2026-04-28	Note created

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