Coffee lovers around the world may be surprised to learn that the coffee they enjoy every morning is actually 600,000 years old. Researchers have recently traced the origin of arabica coffee, the most popular type of coffee, back to natural crossbreeding of two other coffee species. This research was conducted to better understand the plants and protect them from threats such as pests and climate change. The study, led by biologist Victor Albert from the University at Buffalo, sheds light on the history of coffee before human intervention.
The wild coffee plants that gave rise to arabica coffee originated in Ethiopia but were first roasted and brewed in Yemen in the 1400s. The spread of coffee was facilitated by Indian monk Baba Budan, who is said to have smuggled seven raw coffee beans from Yemen back to India in the 1600s. Arabica coffee, known for its smooth and sweet flavor, now dominates the global coffee market, making up 60% – 70% of coffee consumed worldwide. The remaining portion is robusta coffee, known for its strong and bitter taste.
To uncover the history of arabica coffee, researchers studied the genomes of related species such as Coffea canephora and Coffea eugenioides, in addition to more than 30 different arabica plants. The study, published in Nature Genetics, provides insights into the population dynamics of arabica coffee over thousands of years. Fluctuations in population size due to climate variations have made arabica plants more susceptible to diseases like coffee leaf rust, which poses a significant threat to the crop and results in massive financial losses every year.
The research also identified a variety of arabica coffee that is resistant to coffee leaf rust, highlighting specific sections of its genetic code that could be instrumental in protecting the plant. By understanding the genetic makeup of arabica coffee, researchers aim to safeguard the crop and ensure a steady supply of coffee for future generations. The study has implications for the coffee industry, as it offers valuable insights into maintaining the health of coffee plants and ensuring a stable supply of coffee for coffee lovers worldwide.
Fabian Echeverria, an adviser for the Center for Coffee Research and Education at Texas A&M University, emphasized the importance of understanding the history and genetics of arabica coffee for its preservation. By exploring the past and present of arabica coffee, researchers hope to develop strategies to mitigate threats to the crop and secure the future of coffee production. This research highlights the significance of protecting coffee plants from diseases and climate change to ensure a consistent supply of coffee for consumers around the world.
