What is Pacamara Coffee Bean? - Coffee Varietals
What is Pacamara?
Pacamara coffee beans represent a unique chapter in the world of coffee. This varietal is an intraspecific hybrid, born out of a breeding program in El Salvador during the 1950s. It's a cross between two distinct coffee mutations: Pacas and Maragogipe. This hybridisation was aimed at combining the best traits of both varieties - the compact size and higher productivity of Pacas with the large bean size and superior cup quality of Maragogipe.
History of Pacamara
Pacamara's journey began in El Salvador's Institute for Coffee Research. It took over thirty years of meticulous cross-breeding and evaluation to achieve the perfect blend of Pacas and Maragogipe traits. The result was Pacamara, a variety that combines field productivity with exceptional cup quality. It's a testament to the dedication and patience of coffee researchers and their quest for the perfect brew.What is Pacas?
Pacas, one of the parent plants of Pacamara, is a natural mutation of the Bourbon variety. It was discovered on the San Rafael farm in Santa Ana, El Salvador. The variety is known for its shorter stature, making it easier to cultivate and harvest, and its increased productivity compared to its Bourbon ancestor.What is Maragogype?
Maragogype, the other parent of Pacamara, is a mutation of the Typica variety and was first discovered in Brazil. It's renowned for its significantly large bean size and excellent cup quality. Despite its low production yield, the Maragogype's distinctive traits make it a sought-after variety in the coffee world.What Does Pacamara Coffee Taste Like?
Pacamara coffee is known for its unique flavour profile. Initially processed as a fully washed coffee, it exhibited a clean, savoury, sometimes spicy profile, with flavour notes akin to jalapeno pepper jelly. Experimentation with natural and anaerobic natural processes has further revealed its deep sweetness and complexity. Pacamara's flavour can range from chocolate and fruit to herbal notes, with the less desirable beans sometimes having a vegetal taste.
