Villa Sarchi: Costa Rica’s Compact Coffee Treasure
| Varietal: | Villa Sarchi |
| Related to: | Bourbon, Typica, Pacas |
| Origin: | Costa Rica |
| Botanical Type: | Natural Mutation |
| Optimal Elevation: | 500 meters and above |
| Prevalent In: | Costa Rica |
| Fruit Color: | Predominantly Red |
| Fruit Size: | Normal, Rounded |
| Plant Size: | Dwarf (Short) |
| Leaf Characteristics: | Bronze-colored leaves among green foliage |
| Planting Density: | 3,585 plants per hectare |
| Spacing: | 1.67m x 1.67m |
| Tasting Notes: | Clean, fruit-forward acidity with intense sweetness |
Historical Context and Discovery
Villa Sarchi, also known as La Luisa or Villalobos Bourbon, is a natural mutation of the Bourbon variety. It was discovered in the 1950s or 1960s in the town of Sarchí, Costa Rica. Like Caturra and Pacas, it is a single-gene dwarf mutation, making it ideal for high-density planting. It was later introduced to Honduras in 1974 by IHCAFE.
Botanical and Agronomic Profile
Villa Sarchi belongs to the Bourbon-Typica group, known for high cup quality. Its compact size and 45-degree branch angles make it suitable for smallholder farms and shaded systems. The plant is visually striking with bronze-tipped leaves scattered among green ones.
It thrives at high altitudes and is tolerant of wind, but is susceptible to coffee leaf rust, limiting its use in disease-prone areas.
Role in Coffee Breeding
Villa Sarchi played a key role in breeding rust-resistant hybrids. In the 1960s, it was crossed with a Timor Hybrid to create Hybrid 361, the foundation of the Sarchimor group. This group includes varieties like T5296 and Parainema, widely used across Latin America.
Cup Quality and Sensory Profile
Villa Sarchi is prized for its elegant acidity, fruit-forward sweetness, and clarity. Grown at high altitudes, it often reveals citrus, red fruit, and floral notes—making it a favorite in the specialty coffee world.
