Coffee
Caripe: A Unique Discovery in Venezuela
Nov
A Unique Discovery in Caripe
Sixty-four years ago, agronomist Gustavo Buonaffina Parra discovered a special coffee variety in Caripe, a lush valley in Venezuela known as the “Garden of the Venezuelan East.” This variety, called the Caripe Hybrid, is a natural cross between Typica Red and Bourbon Red. Despite its excellent quality, it remains relatively unknown.
The journey to promote this gem includes scientifically confirming its genetic heritage and pursuing a Denomination of Origin. This effort aims to showcase its exceptional quality to specialty coffee markets and further enhance its production.
A Passion for Coffee
In March 1955, Gustavo arrived in Caripe, a picturesque valley 800 meters above sea level, where coffee trees thrived under the shade of dense forests. Having studied agronomy in Brazil, he brought a wealth of experience in coffee genetics from his work at the Agronomic Institute of Campinas.
As the head of a newly established coffee-growing center in Caripe, Gustavo dedicated himself to supporting local farmers in Monagas, Sucre, and Anzoátegui. During this time, he identified coffee plants with unique characteristics that were unlike any he had seen in Brazil, Costa Rica, or Colombia.
What Makes the Caripe Hybrid Special?
In 1956, after observing and studying 100 coffee plants across different altitudes and conditions, Gustavo discovered that the Caripe Hybrid had superior production and adaptability. The plants exhibited a fascinating blend of traits: the elliptical leaves of Typica and the olive-green terminal leaves of Bourbon, with added flexibility in the main stem, making harvesting easier.
Its genetic origins link it to the Brazilian Mundo Novo coffee, another Typica-Bourbon hybrid, but without the defect of hollow beans.
Where and How It’s Grown
Today, the Caripe Hybrid is cultivated by small farmers on plots of 3–4 hectares at altitudes between 800 and 1,300 meters. The region’s clay-rich soils, mild temperatures, and traditional farming techniques create the perfect environment for this coffee.
The Taste of the Caripe Hybrid
In recent cupping sessions, the Caripe Hybrid scored an impressive 84 points, celebrated for its fragrant and sweet profile. Expect flavors of chocolate, brown sugar, or cane honey, with a light, silky body and a gentle citrus acidity.
The Road Ahead
Despite challenges, including limited funding for genetic research in Venezuela, efforts to promote the Caripe Hybrid continue. The ultimate goal is to secure its place in the world of specialty coffee by recognizing it as a genetic treasure of Venezuelan origin.
We are also proud to share that Goatsucka, in collaboration with our friends at Origin2u and Hacienda Cocollar, will soon be introducing an exciting new coffee variety to the market. Stay tuned as we continue to highlight and celebrate the rich heritage of Venezuelan coffee.
