Pacas

Pacas is a natural dwarf mutation of Bourbon discovered on the Pacas family farm in El Salvador in 1949 — the Bourbon equivalent of what Caturra is in Brazil. Its compact stature and good cup quality made it a mainstay of Salvadoran and Central American agriculture, and it is one parent of the larger-beaned Pacamara. It retains Bourbon's sweetness with the practical benefits of a smaller tree.

At a glance

• Scientific name: Coffea arabica var. pacas
• Parent varieties: Bourbon
• Identified: 1949
• Flavor: Sweet, balanced, soft acidity.
• Aroma: Sweet, mild.
• Disease resistance: Low
• Cup potential: High