Jinotega · Variety
Catuai in Jinotega
Jinotega is known for nicaragua's production heart — highland lakes, cloud forest, and caturra sweetness, and Catuai is one of the varieties behind that reputation. The region's farms sit at 1,100–1,700 m — Catuai's preferred range is 900–1,800 m — and harvest runs december – march, the window in which the variety's character is decided in the field.
Catuai brings its own agronomic personality to Jinotega: a compact, wind-resistant plant with high yield potential, and disease behavior best summarized as susceptible to rust. Regional processing leans on washed, honey, natural, which shapes how the variety's raw material reaches the cup.
Tasted side by side with the same variety from other regions, Jinotega's expression stands apart: the variety contributes chocolate, almond, mild red fruit, while the regional cup runs toward chocolate, plum, and citrus with balanced acidity; honey and natural lots deepen into dark fruit and molasses. That interaction — genetics times place — is exactly what regional sourcing is about.
Key facts
| Region | Jinotega |
|---|---|
| Country | Nicaragua |
| Region altitude | 1,100–1,700 m |
| Variety optimal altitude | 900–1,800 m |
| Harvest | December – March |
| Species | Arabica |
| Lineage | Caturra × Mundo Novo, bred by IAC Brazil (released 1972) |
| Disease resistance | Susceptible to rust |
| Regional cup profile | Chocolate, plum, and citrus with balanced acidity; honey and natural lots deepen into dark fruit and molasses. |
Catuai in Jinotega — frequently asked questions
Does Catuai grow well in Jinotega?
Yes — the region's 1,100–1,700 m range overlaps the variety's preferred 900–1,800 m, and local processing traditions (washed, honey, natural) suit its characteristics. It is one of the varieties Jinotega is known for.
What does Jinotega Catuai taste like?
Expect chocolate, almond, mild red fruit, expressed through the region's typical character: chocolate, plum, and citrus with balanced acidity; honey and natural lots deepen into dark fruit and molasses.
When is Catuai from Jinotega harvested?
The regional harvest runs december – march; fresh lots typically reach export markets one to three months after milling.
Volcana Coffee grows high-altitude Catimor, Typica, and washed Fine Robusta in our own volcanic region — the Bolaven Plateau, Laos. Compare our terroir against any region in the world, cup to cup.
Request a Sample