Lempira

Lempira is a Catimor-type variety released in Honduras in 1996 and named for the national hero and currency. Compact and high-yielding with strong early rust resistance, it was planted widely and helped Honduras become Central America's largest producer — but around 2017 a new race of leaf rust began overcoming its resistance, prompting farmers to diversify. Its rise and partial fall illustrate the ongoing arms race between coffee breeders and the rust fungus.

At a glance

• Scientific name: Coffea arabica × canephora (Catimor-type)
• Parent varieties: Caturra, Timor Hybrid
• Identified: 1996
• Flavor: Sweet and balanced when well grown.
• Aroma: Mild, sweet.
• Disease resistance: High historically (rust); later breakdown
• Cup potential: Good