
Caturra
Caturra is a natural mutation of Bourbon discovered in Brazil in the 1930s. It is a compact, high-yielding plant that produces bright, lemony cups with light body. Popular in Central and South America.
Tasting Notes
Origin Regions
Growing Altitude
1200-1800m
A Natural Dwarf Mutation
Caturra was discovered in 1937 near the town of Caturra in Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is a natural single-gene mutation of Bourbon that results in a compact, dwarf plant with significantly shorter internodes. This mutation revolutionized coffee farming by enabling much higher planting densities.
Characteristics
Unlike its parent Bourbon, Caturra is a short, bushy plant that can be planted at densities of 5,000-10,000 plants per hectare versus 1,000-2,000 for tall varieties. It matures faster and produces more cherries per plant relative to its size. The leaves are broad and dark green, and the cherries ripen to a bright red.
Flavor Profile
Caturra is known for its bright, vibrant cup character:
- High, citric acidity with lemon and grapefruit notes
- Medium body with a crisp, clean finish
- Bright fruit notes including citrus and stone fruit
- Less sweetness than Bourbon but more vibrancy
- Excellent complexity at higher elevations
Growing Conditions
Caturra performs best at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters. At higher altitudes, the cherry maturation slows, concentrating sugars and developing more complex acids. It requires more fertilization and care than Bourbon but rewards attentive farmers with consistent yields and quality.
Impact on Coffee Farming
Caturra transformed Latin American coffee production in the mid-20th century. Its compact size made it the backbone of Colombian coffee for decades and is still widely planted across Central and South America. It serves as a parent for many important hybrid varieties including Catuai.
Best Brewing Methods
Caturras bright acidity shines in pour-over and filter methods. Try it as a light roast to experience the full citrus character, or medium roast for a more balanced, approachable cup.
Did you know?
Caturra is a dwarf mutation - the plants are significantly shorter than their Bourbon parents, making harvesting easier.
Related
Frequently Asked Questions
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Researched and compiled by CoffeeTrove. Last updated March 2026.



