Coffee is undoubtedly one of the most popular beverages. From Mocha, Latte, Cappuccino to filter coffee and more, there are quite a range enjoyed by drinkers across the globe. Now, a new study, published in the journal Nature Genetics, has made revelation about the origins of coffee Arabica. Arabica is said to be the most popular type of coffee worldwide. As per the study, Arabica emerged more than 600,000 years ago in the forests of Ethiopia. It makes this species older than Homo sapiens, which arose about 300,000 years ago.
Arabica is formed as a natural hybrid of the Coffea canephora and Coffea eugenioides species. Moreover, this crossbreeding predates ‘modern humans and the cultivation of coffee’, the study suggested. “We have used genomic information in plants alive today to go back in time and paint the most accurate picture possible of Arabica’s long history, as well as determine how modern cultivated varieties are related to each other,” said the study’s co-corresponding author, Victor Albert. He added, “A detailed understanding of the origins and breeding history of contemporary varieties are crucial to developing new Arabica cultivars better adapted to climate change.”
As per AP report, the researchers also analysed the composition of one Arabica variety that is resistant to coffee leaf rust, highlighting sections of its genetic code that could help protect the plant.
About Arabica:
Arabica can only be cultivated in a few places in the world with favourable conditions. Also, in spite of its popularity, it is vulnerable to several diseases. Reports suggest that the aromas of Arabica are said to be sweeter and softer compared to other coffee species. It has lower caffeine content with greater acidity, which helps reduce bitterness. Around 60 percent of the world’s total coffee products are made using beans of this variety.
History Of Coffee:
The report also mentions that the cultivation of Arabica coffee may have started principally in Yemen, around the 1600’s. As per reports, Indian monk Baba Budan is believed to have smuggled seven seeds out of Yemen around 1600, establishing Indian Arabica cultivars.
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