coffeesterTHE COFFEE ENCYCLOPEDIA

Knowledge · plant

Laurina (Bourbon Pointu)

Coffea arabica var. laurina

1 min read
Key facts
Also called
Bourbon Pointu
Parent variety
Bourbon
Origin
Island of Réunion
Identified
1810
Caffeine content
Roughly half typical Arabica
Flavor profile
Delicate, sweet, low-acid
Laurina (Bourbon Pointu)
Photo: Denis kasozi / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Laurina, also called Bourbon Pointu, is a natural mutation of Bourbon from the island of Réunion, recognisable by its conical tree shape and pointed beans. It is famous for naturally containing roughly half the caffeine of typical Arabica, and for a delicate, sweet, low-acid cup. Nearly lost in the 20th century, it was revived through dedicated replanting projects on Réunion in the 2000s and remains a rare connoisseur's variety.

At a glance

  • Scientific name: Coffea arabica var. laurina
  • Parent varieties: Bourbon
  • Identified: 1810
  • Flavor: Delicate, sweet, low-acid; naturally low caffeine.
  • Aroma: Soft, sweet, floral.
  • Disease resistance: Low
  • Cup potential: High

See also

Sources & further reading