#39 Costa Rica, Competition coffee Anaerobe Java

Natural Reserve Volcan Azul
Competition coffee Anaerobe Java

Dark Chocolate. Pomegranate. chardonney 

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This coffee was my competition coffee for milk at Danish Championship, 2026. If you steam the milk for only 40 degrees - the coffee will get an exceptional delicate taste with 100 ml ration of milk and dobb shot espresso. in total 160 ml.  

The story of Java coffee reveals an intriguing journey of cultivation, adaptation, and recognition, making it a significant variety in coffee's global history. Here's a concise summary of its journey:

1. Origins and Early Cultivation:
   Java coffee traces its roots to Ethiopia, from where it was introduced to the island of Java by the Dutch in the early 19th century. Initially, it was considered a Typica selection due to its similarities in characteristics.

2. Introduction to Africa:
   In the mid-20th century, Java seeds were brought to Cameroon by a local farmer through the Vilmorin company, which sourced them from the breeder Porteres in Java. In Cameroon, breeder Pierre Bouharmont discovered its partial tolerance to coffee berry disease (CBD), a major challenge in African coffee cultivation. Its suitability for smallholder farmers with minimal inputs made it a valuable selection, leading to its release in Cameroon between 1980 and 1990.

3. Genetic Insights:
   Genetic studies have revealed that Java is not a Typica selection but a selection from an Ethiopian landrace population known as Abysinia, highlighting its unique lineage.

4. Introduction to Central America:
   In 1991, Java was introduced to Costa Rica by CIRAD (Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement) through breeder Benoit Bertrand. The goal was to provide smallholders with a low-input, CBD-tolerant variety. While CBD is not present in Central America, its potential threat prompted interest in Java. Despite being distributed to PROMECAFE countries, Java was not officially released in the region.

5. Recognition and Quality Potential:
   Java’s exceptional cup quality, particularly at high altitudes, gained attention over time. Panama became the first Central American country to officially recognize Java in 2016. It has since emerged as an alternative to the Geisha variety, offering high-quality potential alongside better resilience for small farmers, especially against coffee leaf rust and CBD.

Java's journey underscores its adaptability, resilience, and eventual recognition as a variety that balances high quality with practical benefits for smallholder farmers. Its story highlights the importance of preserving and promoting diverse coffee varieties globally.

Variety	100 % Arabica Java
Processing	Anerobe process
Land/Region	Costa Rica/West Valley
Farmer	Alejo Castro
Altitude	1550 masl
Cupping Score	90
Roast Master, Quality cupper & Barista	Søren Stiller Markussen