Typica’s lineage traces to Ethiopia before spreading through trade networks to Yemen and India. By 1706 Dutch merchants transported a single Typica plant to Amsterdam’s botanical gardens. This strain is considered the parent plant for Typica cultivars throughout the Americas after 1714 (source). Despite its disease susceptibility lowering yields, Typica remains popular for its highly praised cup profile.
Flavor Profiles
Typica exhibits clean, layered flavors with a signature sweetness. Specific characteristics manifest differently across various origins. For example, Blue Mountain Typica from Jamaica tends towards mild cocoa and nutty tones with a creamy mouthfeel (source). Whereas the Indonesian variant evaluated by Cafes Belleville head roaster Mihaela Iordache expresses more fruit, flower and spice notes atop a crisp, elegant acidity.
Cultivation Considerations
As generations of farmers opted for higher yielding varieties related to Bourbon, Typica struggled to maintain its initial widespread footprint. Smaller harvest sizes make profitability challenging. However, many producers feel Typica’s quality warrants extra efforts to nurture its more finicky plants. Roasters should also pay above-market premiums to honor top Typica lots’ excellence. New more robust Typica-Bourbon hybrids like Mundo Novo do offer a best-of-both compromise.
Adapting Roasts
Accordingly Various factors from moisture levels to density can shift roasting needs, especially with Typica’s frequently larger bean size. Slower drum speeds ensure adequate airflow preventing burnt notes. And small batch cupping remains imperative to tailor roast degree to the coffee’s unique profile. Packaging also preserves quality, as sustainable Typica-friendly bags communicate craft care stories.
Still Room to Rediscover Lost Varietal Gems
Above commodity crops, Typica and other heirlooms emit an irreplaceable spark of origin authenticity. Roasters play a key role in sourcing and showcasing overlooked offerings before they potentially disappear. Through such collaborative ecology supporting selection diversity, the entire speciality coffee world thrives.
FAQs
What are Typica’s flavor characteristics?
Typica tends to offer very clean, nuanced flavors with natural sweetness – though tasting notes shift subtly across various regional microclimates.
Why did Typica lose dominance?
Though renowned for cup quality, Typica’s yields lagged behind heartier hybrids. However, some farmers still nurture Typica for premium niches.
How should roasters approach Typica?
Adjusting for moisture and bean size will ensure ideal airflow. Always cup frequently when roasting smaller Typica batches to optimize flavors.
Caffeinated Clatter
