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Variety encyclopedia

Pacas

Pacas is a natural dwarf mutation of the Bourbon variety that was first identified on a farm owned by the Pacas family in the Santa Ana region of El Salvador in 1949. The variety features a single-gene mutation that results in a smaller plant stature, allowing producers to increase planting density and improve potential yields. Beyond its practical agronomic benefits, the variety is historically significant as one of the two parents used to create the Pacamara hybrid. It remains a staple in Salvadoran coffee production due to its adaptability and consistent cup quality.

TagsPacasArabicaBourbonPacamaraMaragogype
Where did it come from?

Discovered as a natural Bourbon mutation on the Pacas family farm in 1949 and distributed by the Salvadoran coffee research institute. Crossed with Maragogipe in 1958 to create Pacamara.

What does it tend to taste like?

Bourbon-family sweetness — caramel and soft fruit when farmed and processed well. The name sets tendencies, never the cup: farm, terroir, ripeness and process decide the rest.

Plant characteristics

Compact dwarf Bourbon; allows dense planting and tolerates wind better than tall Bourbons.

Why producers grow it

Bourbon-lineage cup character on a compact, productive, wind-tolerant tree.

Sources & further reading

Editorial record last reviewed: . Sources document specific claims, not guarantees about every coffee sold under this variety name.

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