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Pacamara and Pacas traits

This topic explores the Pacas and Pacamara coffee varieties, their origins in El Salvador, their distinctive traits, and their importance in specialty coffee cultivation.

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  • Coffee Basics Nerds
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Article 5 of 12 in Varieties & Cultivars/
Pacamara and Pacas traits

Pacas

  • Origin: Natural mutation of Bourbon discovered in El Salvador in 1949 by the Pacas family.
  • Traits:
  • Dwarf variety with compact growth, allowing denser planting and easier harvesting.
  • Similar cup profile to Bourbon but with slightly higher yields.
  • Flavor profile: Balanced, sweet, often with chocolate and nutty notes.
  • Weakness: Susceptible to coffee leaf rust and other diseases.
  • Importance: Widely cultivated in El Salvador and Honduras; foundation for breeding programs.

Pacamara

  • Origin: Hybrid of Pacas × Maragogipe, developed in El Salvador in the 1950s.
  • Traits:
  • Large, elongated “elephant beans” inherited from Maragogipe.
  • Strong plant structure from Pacas, though still requiring good management.
  • Medium yield; less consistent productivity compared to Pacas alone.
  • Flavor profile: Known for complexity—fruity, floral, winey notes, with heavy body. Highly variable depending on terroir and processing.
  • Weakness: Inconsistent cup quality; susceptible to environmental stress.
  • Specialty role: Popular in competitions and specialty markets due to its bold and distinctive flavors.

Comparative Overview

  • Pacas: Mutation, compact size, higher density planting, stable yields, solid cup quality.
  • Pacamara: Intentional hybrid, large beans, highly complex flavor potential, but variable consistency.

Agricultural Importance

  • Pacas: Contributed genetic material for breeding, combining Bourbon quality with manageable plant size.
  • Pacamara: Represents El Salvador’s role in innovation, showing how hybridization can produce unique cup profiles.

Lasting Importance

  • Pacas remains a reliable cultivar with a balance of yield and quality.
  • Pacamara has gained international recognition as a competition coffee, highlighting the potential of hybrid breeding.
  • Together, they showcase El Salvador’s significant contribution to global coffee diversity and specialty culture.

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Coffee Basics Nerds

Written by : Coffee Basics Nerds

Expert coffee historians and brewing enthusiasts dedicated to sharing the rich heritage and techniques behind your perfect cup of coffee.

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