Caturra Coffee Beans

Caturra is a naturally occurring mutation of Bourbon, first identified in the Minas Gerais region of Brazil in the early 20th century. It grows as a compact, dwarf plant — significantly shorter than Bourbon — which makes it easier to manage at high density and harvest efficiently. That combination of manageable size and reasonable yield made it one of the most widely planted varietals across Central and South America through the second half of the 20th century.

As a cup, Caturra shares much of Bourbon's character: clean acidity, good sweetness, and a brightness that responds well to altitude and careful processing. It tends toward a lighter body than Bourbon, with citrus and stone fruit notes common in well-grown lots. High-altitude Caturra — particularly from Bolivia and Colombia where producers are investing in fermentation and selective picking — can produce nuanced, complex results that sit well above the varietal's workmanlike reputation.

Browse related varietals: Bourbon · Catuai · Caturra varietal guide · All varietal guides