Pacas Coffee

The Pacas varietal is the result of a natural genetic mutation to the Bourbon varietal.

This single gene mutation actually has a significant impact on the size of the plant. Pacas plants exhibit dwarfism, meaning that they are much smaller and more compact. Plants of this nature were discovered in 1949 by the Pacas family, on their farm in Santa Ana, El Salvador. Make a discovery, have that discovery named after you; that’s the way it works!

The smaller, compact Pacas plants are able to be planted much closer together, leading to a more efficient use of farm space, and a higher potential yield.

Pacas beans have similar taste characteristics to Bourbon beans, with a few minor alterations. Pacas coffee is often less sweet than Bourbon, and has a more desirable body.

Maragogype Coffee 

The Maragogype varietal is also the result of genetic mutation. This time, the parent is the Typica varietal.

This varietal was discovered in 1870, and is recognizable by its large leaves and beans. Maragogype plants have a low productivity, but the large beans that they produce have a high quality flavor.

Coffee Varietals Mapped

Here's a simple little flow chart we whipped up to illustrate how Pacamara coffee came to be!

More Coffee Varietals

If our beautiful graphic has ignited a burning desire to learn more about these coffee varietals, or ANY coffee varietal for that matter, check out WorldCoffeeResearch.org!

What makes Pacamara coffee desirable?

Okay so we’ve talked about what Pacamara coffee is, and where it came from. The next question we’ll tackle is this; why should you care?

Pacamara Coffee Taste Profile

Pacamara coffee has an esteemed reputation, quite simply, because it tastes really good. You can expect a Pacamara coffee to be something like this;

Farming Advantages

Pacamara plants inherit the dwarfism gene from the Pacas varietal, and the large bean size from Maragogype. 

As a result of this, Pacamara plants are more dense and compact in stature. This makes them more wind resistant than Maragogype plants. The plants can therefore be grown closer together and on steep slopes. These qualities are ideal for growth at optimally high altitudes. These factors leads to a higher productivity relative to Maragogype plants.

Pacamara plants also produce larger, more desirable beans than Pacas plants. This is associated with a higher quality taste. This is the part where we benefit. These beans offer a more developed and higher quality taste profile!

Pacamara coffee receives the benefits from both of its parent varietals... the best of both worlds! With both farming and consumer advantages aplenty, growing Pacamara coffee is a no-brainer!

Pacamara Coffee Recommendations

Have you decided that it’s time to give some Pacamara coffee a try? Good call. Here are three great options from El Salvador, Nicaragua and Guatemala to get you started. Enjoy!

More Central American Coffee!

If you enjoy coffee from El Salvador, Guatemala or Nicaragua, check these out!

Do you have an opinion on Pacamara coffee or varietals in general? What is your favorite Pacamara bean? Let us know!

Have a coffee question? We may have the answer. Ask away!