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Variety encyclopedia

Villa Sarchi

Villa Sarchi is a natural dwarf mutation of the Bourbon variety discovered in the Costa Rican village of Sarchi during the 1950s or 1960s. It is highly valued for its compact stature and ability to thrive at high altitudes, which allows for denser planting and efficient management. Beyond its own production, the variety is historically significant as a parent of the Sarchimor group, a lineage created to introduce disease resistance into coffee crops. It remains a foundational genetic resource for breeders seeking to combine high cup quality with resilient plant characteristics.

Where did it come from?

A natural Bourbon mutation documented in Sarchí, Costa Rica (with closely related forms in Nicaragua). Its crossing with the Timor Hybrid produced the Sarchimor line — Obatã, Iapar 59, Parainema and more.

What does it tend to taste like?

Bourbon-lineage sweetness on a small tree. As always, variety suggests; farming, processing and roasting decide.

Plant characteristics

Compact dwarf Bourbon; productive and dense-planting friendly.

Why producers grow it

Productivity on small land, and its role as the quality-side parent of the Sarchimor dynasty.

Coffees in our database

Villa Sarchi we've cataloged.