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
  
  

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
  
  

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
  
  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
  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
  Notes: Increasingly popular among specialty producers

6  Catucaí 

• Hybrid of Catuai × Icatu

• Available in Red and Yellow Catucaí variants
  
  

• Flavor: Nutty, caramel, brown sugar, tropical fruit, citrus, red berries (especially in natural process)
  
  

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
  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
  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