Catimor Coffee Beans – History, Properties, Taste And Brewing Method

History of catimor coffee and its characteristics

Definitely, as a one of the well-known Arabica varieties. it is impossible to refuse the subtle taste and aroma of catimor coffee.

As an undeniable choice, catimor coffee is the preferred type of bean with biological characteristics that provides a subtle flavor profile.

It is a hybrid type and cross of caturaa and timor coffee. As an Arabica cultivar, catimor is a fantastic pest resistant plant that is created in Portugal laboratories.

Today, due to the unique characteristics of this varietal, several countries in South and Central America (as well as Asia) are among catimor coffee producers.

A solid and bitter flavor that is followed with a delightful taste are the best mouthfeel that you can enjoy in your daily drink.

As many coffee connoisseurs enjoy catimor coffee flavor profile, in this article, we’ll give you more information about the history and unique characteristics of this variety.

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What is catimor?

Catimor is a varietal of coffee that is a cross between timor (as a resistant to leaf rust and well-known type of coffee) and caturra beans.

This controversial type of coffee has a high yield and produces its fruits very quickly. It’s also resistant to pests. So, catimor is considered as a commercial type of coffee with several benefits.

catimor coffee variety

Catimor is a hybrid coffee variety that was developed in Portugal in the late 1960s. It is a cross between the Timor Hybrid and Caturra varieties, and is known for its high yields, disease resistance, and good cup quality. Catimor is widely grown in Central and South America, as well as in India and Indonesia.

Is catimor Robusta?

No. It is not Robusta. This variety of coffee plants belongs to the Arabica line. So, by having several characteristics in common with Arabica, it is among the most favorite types of coffee.

But, don’t forget that catimor is a hybrid plant with several similarities to Robusta varieties.

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History of catimor

In past decades, after the central and south America faced epidemic disease in coffee plants, to find a new variety, scientists tried to search for a resistant type of plant. Their attempts lead to catimor selection and development.

Who created catimor beans

In 1958 and 1959, a Portuguese institute explored many hybrid seeds to find a resistive bean and develop it.

The seeds from the Timor island, which were a natural hybrid between Arabica and Robusta.

As Robusta beans have better resistance to rust, these hybrid seeds were the best options for the development of a new variety.

To create a new resistant variety, with the unique characteristics, research focused on the productivity of the new coffee variety.

This effort led to the birth of a new hybrid called cat catoror. Then, the catimor coffee developed as the selected breed that began to disperse to many coffee-growing regions and countries all around the world.

It is worth to note that today different breeds of catimor are selected as the best lines and brought into cultivation.

The catimor growing countries are located on coffee belt and have done a lot to fulfil the demands in global market.

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What is the other name of catimor?

This varietal sometimes is called tea coffee. Catimor has another name which is known as T8667. But, the latter is in fact the name of variety of catimor.

So, you need to distinguish between different varieties.

What is baristas’ idea about catimor?

Today, as a fantastic type of Arabica coffee, many baristas love this new varietal and prefer its flavor profile.

Some coffee lovers say that the taste of catimor coffee lingers and makes people to remember it long after its consumption.

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Biological features of catimor

This plant has a canopy-like appearance that acts as a cover for the trunk of tree.

This characteristic prevents the damage to the stems of the plant. Because, some stem borers that usually lay their eggs on the tree do not like to lay their egg in places with low light.

As the form of plant is similar to bush, it looks like a tea tree from the outside. It is not very tall and the leaves of the plant are small.

How does catimor bean look like?

Catimor beans look like other similar varieties. But, it has different bean sizes with a round shape.

Does catimor has a lot of caffeine?

The seeds contain around 1 to 2 percent of caffeine. Therefore, the caffeine content in catimor is different with that of other varieties.

Of course, if you want to limit the intake of caffeine, it can be a good idea to prepare your drink with less coffee grounds.

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Does catimor look like bourbon?

Before everything, it is worth mentioning that bourbon coffee beans are a type of Arabica bean that are similar to catimor. So, it is difficult to recognize catimor from bourbon seeds.

Of course, this problem is just for beginners and professionals can easily distinguish between coffee varieties.

Is catimor resistant to pests?

Yes. The main aim of creating this variety is to grow a plant that is resistant to diseases and pests.

Therefore, due to its pest resistant properties, catimor is one of the most important Arabica cultivars that is economically important for coffee growing countries like Vietnam.

How much yields will catimor give in each years?

The yield of plant depends on the condition that it grows. Defining factors like soil, water, weather condition, and altitude have a great effect on the quality and yield of coffee trees.

But, if the plant is cultivated well, you can expect 4 to 5 tons of yield from each hectare.

Is the price of catimor higher than other varieties?

The price of coffee beans depends on several factors and it is not easy to talk about the prices in the producing countries and global markets.

 But, the price of high quality catimor coffee beans are different than that of common coffee beans.

The delicious taste of this varietal is considered as an important factor that creates higher demand to purchase it in market.

But, there are other single origin and specialty organic coffee types that are more expensive than catimor.

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Does all catimor plants have the same characteristics?

No. Because, in different part of the world, in coffee growing countries like Vietnam, there are several catimor varieties.

T-8667

T8667 is a popular variety with short stems. But, its fruits and seeds are larger than other varieties.

T-5269

T5269 is another variety with good characteristics that makes it a healthy and suitable plant for growing in places with 600 to 900 meters’ height above sea level. It is also suitable for the regions with high annual rainfall.

T-5175

Finally, T5175 is a high yielding catimor variety that is a good choice for cultivation in specific regions. But, it cannot grow in too high or too low condition.

catimor vs arabica

Catimor and Arabica are two different types of coffee beans. Catimor is a hybrid variety of Arabica and Robusta beans, while Arabica is a pure variety of Arabica beans. Catimor beans are generally considered to be of lower quality than Arabica beans, as they tend to have a harsher flavor and less complexity.

Catimor beans are also more resistant to disease and pests, making them easier to grow and harvest. Arabica beans, on the other hand, are more expensive and have a sweeter, more complex flavor.

Does catimor has a flavorful profile?

Genuine seeds have a mixed flavor profile. So, if you brew catimor coffee, a diverse bitter taste and light brown color are common characteristics of your cup of drink. Be careful! The taste can become medium to intense bitter with a sour taste.

When to use catimor after roasting?

3 days after roasting is the recommended time for using coffee catimor to brew a fresh drink.

Keep in mind that the roasting profile of coffee is important and if the catimor is not roasted well, instead of a good aroma, you will have a strong taste and burn that makes it difficult to drink your cup of the coffee.

In fact, professional coffee brewers believe that roasting of catimor beans have a great impact on the overall taste and flavor of your drink. So, it is considered as a critical stage.

Can I enjoy the taste of catimor?

As a coffee fanatic who wants to enjoy a delicious drink, everybody may have its own preferences and enjoys coffee in a different way.

So, we cannot say that catimor is a perfect choice for you or other coffee lovers.

Does catimor has similarities with Robusta?

As a hybrid variety, catimor still has several similarities with Robusta coffee. In fact, 1/4 of catimor characteristics are obtained from Robusta.

As you know, Robusta is not considered as a tasty coffee. This means that you may have problems with the cup quality.

What are the main issues with catimor?

Several problems (for final consumers and growers of catimor) have been reported in last decades.

One of them is the quality of drink that is not everybody’s choice.

Other problems relate to the yield of some plants that drop after 10 years.

As you know, coffee plants begin to give their fruits after 3 to 4 years. They can give their highest yield up to 20 and even 30 years. So, 10 years of high yielding is not a good characteristic.

How to brew catimor?

You can prepare your drink with common brewing methods. But, remember that the ratio of coffee ground and water is important (for example 10 g of coffee and 150 ml of water).

Also, if you are looking for flavor enhancers, it is a good idea to brew coffee with additives like milk, herbal products, and etc.

How to keep catimor coffee?

Remember that it is strongly recommended to use coffee bags one week after opening it. Also, it’s better to keep coffee in refrigerator or seal the bags before putting it in the cabinet.

Does roasting profile of catimor matters?

Yes. As you know, roasting profile (in every brewing method that you use to brew coffee) is important. So, to have a better drink, based on your preferences, light to dark roasted beans can be your preferred choice.

What is the predominant color of catimor?

The color of the fruit in this variety is red.

Final thought

Catimor is a hybrid type of coffee that is pest resistant. Today, it grows in several regions different countries from Asia to south and central America.

So, if you are a coffee lover who looks to enjoy a different flavor profile, it is an interesting choice for having a perfect cup of coffee.