A recent study published in the journal Nature Genetics has shed light on the fascinating origins of coffee Arabica, a popular coffee species around the world. This study reveals that Arabica coffee emerged over 600,000 years ago in the forests of Ethiopia. The beans used in about 60% of the world’s coffee products, including major chains like Starbucks and Tim Hortons, are exclusively from this species.
Despite its widespread use, Arabica is susceptible to various diseases and requires specific growing conditions that limit its cultivation to select areas globally. Known for its sweet and soft flavors, Arabica offers a more nuanced set of aromas compared to other coffee species. It also has a lower caffeine content and higher acidity, reducing bitterness in the brew.
Researchers have discovered that Arabica is a natural hybrid of the Coffea canephora and Coffea eugenioides species. Crossbreeding occurred before the cultivation of coffee and the existence of modern humans. By analyzing genomic information from present-day plants, researchers were able to trace Arabica’s evolutionary history and its relationship to modern cultivated varieties. Understanding the genetic makeup of Arabica coffee is crucial for developing new cultivars better suited for climate change conditions. By studying rust-resistant Arabica varieties, researchers identified specific genetic markers that could enhance the plant’s resilience to diseases.
The study also suggests that Arabica coffee cultivation may have originated in Yemen around the 1600s when an Indian monk named Baba Budan smuggled out seven seeds from Yemen. This event marked the establishment of Indian Arabica cultivars and paved the way for global expansion of coffee production. The ancient origins and breeding history of Arabica coffee are essential for sustainable farming practices and developing improved varieties in response to environmental challenges.
In conclusion, this groundbreaking study provides valuable insights into the evolutionary history of one of our most beloved beverages – coffee – specifically focusing on its highly popular species, Arabica.
Understanding how it came about will enable us to develop better farming practices while preserving our precious heritage
