What is the "Caturra" variety's popularity in Colombia?

The Caturra variety represents a pivotal shift in Colombian agriculture. Discovered in Brazil in the 1930s, this natural mutation of the Bourbon variety arrived in Colombia during the 1950s. Its defining characteristic is its dwarfism; the plant grows short and compact, which allowed farmers to plant more trees per hectare compared to the taller, traditional Typica and Bourbon varieties. This efficiency, combined with a bright, citrusy, and sweet cup profile, made it the dominant cultivar in the country for decades.

By the mid-1900s, Caturra accounted for nearly half of all coffee production in Colombia. It became the standard for quality and productivity, helping to cement the country's global reputation for balanced, high-quality Arabica. However, the variety's lack of resistance to coffee leaf rust—a devastating fungal disease—eventually forced the industry to seek alternatives. This led to the development of composite cultivars like the Colombia variety and later, the widely planted Castillo, which were bred by the national research institute, Cenicafé, to withstand disease while maintaining yield.

Despite the rise of these resistant varieties, Caturra has not disappeared. In the specialty coffee sector, it remains highly sought after. Many producers continue to cultivate Caturra on their farms because, when managed well, it often outperforms disease-resistant hybrids in sensory evaluations. It is frequently featured in high-end microlots and Cup of Excellence winning entries, where its inherent sweetness and acidity are highly valued by roasters and consumers alike.

In practice, Caturra serves as a bridge between traditional quality and modern agricultural necessity. While a farmer might plant Castillo to ensure a stable harvest in the face of climate-related disease pressure, they often keep a portion of their land dedicated to Caturra to capture the premium prices associated with its superior flavor profile. For the reader, this means that when you see 'Caturra' on a bag of Colombian coffee, you are likely drinking a variety that has been the backbone of the country's specialty success for over half a century.