Minas Gerais

Minas Gerais is the largest coffee-producing state in Brazil and a powerhouse of Arabica coffee production, responsible for nearly 50% of Brazil’s total output. Due to its vast area, diverse topography, and microclimates, Minas Gerais grows multiple Arabica varieties across its sub-regions.

Main Arabica Bean Varieties Grown in Minas Gerais: 

1. Catuaí (Red & Yellow Catuaí)

• 🔬 Origin: Mutation of Mundo Novo
  
  

• 🌱 Height: Compact (ideal for mechanized harvesting)
  
  

• 🌾 Yield: High
  
  

• 💪 Resistance: Moderate resistance to wind and disease
  
  

• ☕ Flavor: Clean, sweet, balanced body, mild acidity
  
  

Where: Common across Sul de Minas, Cerrado Mineiro, and Chapada de Minas
Red Catuaí: Richer sweetness
Yellow Catuaí: Bright, citrusy notes

2. Mundo Novo

• 🔬 Origin: Natural hybrid between Bourbon and Typica
  
  

• 🌱 Height: Tall
  
  

• 🌾 Yield: High
  
  

• 💪 Resistance: Good against disease, but less than newer hybrids
  
  

• ☕ Flavor: Full body, good sweetness, low acidity
  
  

Where: Found in Cerrado Mineiro and Sul de Minas
Notes: Needs more spacing between trees; less suited to steep terrain

3. Bourbon (Yellow & Red)

• 🔬 Origin: Heirloom Arabica, brought to Brazil from Réunion (then Bourbon Island)
  
  

• 🌱 Height: Medium
  
  

• 🌾 Yield: Lower than Catuaí and Mundo Novo
  
  

• 💪 Resistance: Less resistant to pests/disease
  
  

• ☕ Flavor: High-quality cup; sweet, bright acidity, complex flavors
  
  

Where: Specialty lots in Sul de Minas and some parts of Chapada de Minas
Yellow Bourbon: Known for honey, caramel, and floral notes
Red Bourbon: Deeper fruit notes and chocolate tones

4. Icatu

• 🔬 Origin: Hybrid of Arabica × Robusta
  
  

• 🌱 Height: Medium
  
  

• 🌾 Yield: Very high
  
  

• 💪 Resistance: Strong rust resistance, drought tolerant
  
  

• ☕ Flavor: Balanced, heavier body, slightly earthy
  
  

Where: Cerrado Mineiro and Chapada de Minas
Notes: Developed for resistance but still good cup potential

5. Topázio

• 🔬 Origin: Hybrid of Mundo Novo × Yellow Catuaí
  
  

• 🌱 Height: Medium
  
  

• 🌾 Yield: Moderate to high
  
  

• 💪 Resistance: Moderate
  
  

• ☕ Flavor: Well-balanced cup, good sweetness
  
  

Where: Sul de Minas and Cerrado Mineiro
Notes: Increasingly popular among specialty producers

6. Obatã

• 🔬 Origin: Hybrid developed in Brazil (Villa Sarchí × Timor hybrid)
  
  

• 🌱 Height: Medium
  
  

• 🌾 Yield: High
  
  

• 💪 Resistance: Excellent against rust
  
  

• ☕ Flavor: Clean, sweet, balanced cup with good body
  
  

Where: Used in Cerrado and Chapada de Minas
Notes: Gaining popularity due to high productivity and good cup profile

7. Arara (New, high-potential variety)

• 🔬 Origin: Cross between Obatã × Yellow Catuaí
  
  

• 🌱 Height: Medium
  
  

• 🌾 Yield: High
  
  

• 💪 Resistance: High
  
  

• ☕ Flavor: Excellent cup quality with fruity, floral, and sweet notes
  
  

Where: Specialty farms in Cerrado Mineiro
Notes: Popular in competitions and specialty coffee auctions

8. Catuai SH3 and Other Hybrids

• 🔬 Developed for disease resistance and cup quality
  
  

• Part of Brazil’s ongoing breeding programs (like IAC and Embrapa)
  
  

• Grown in: New experimental and specialty farms in Sul de Minas and Cerrado
  
  

Sub-Regions of Minas Gerais and Their Bean Focus

Sul de Minas

950–1,300 m

Catuaí, Bourbon, Mundo Novo

Cool climate; fruity, sweet, balanced profiles

Cerrado Mineiro

800–1,200 m

Catuaí, Mundo Novo, Icatu, Arara

Denomination of Origin; nutty, chocolatey, consistent

Chapada de Minas

800–1,250 m

Topázio, Obatã, Catuaí

Mountainous terrain, diverse microclimates