Matagalpa · Variety
Catuai in Matagalpa
Matagalpa is known for cloud-forest estates and cooperatives in nicaragua's historic coffee capital, and Catuai is one of the varieties behind that reputation. The region's farms sit at 1,000–1,500 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 Matagalpa: 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, Matagalpa's expression stands apart: the variety contributes chocolate, almond, mild red fruit, while the regional cup runs toward chocolate, red fruit, and caramel with balanced structure; honeys deepen into fig and molasses. That interaction — genetics times place — is exactly what regional sourcing is about.
Key facts
| Region | Matagalpa |
|---|---|
| Country | Nicaragua |
| Region altitude | 1,000–1,500 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, red fruit, and caramel with balanced structure; honeys deepen into fig and molasses. |
Catuai in Matagalpa — frequently asked questions
Does Catuai grow well in Matagalpa?
Yes — the region's 1,000–1,500 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 Matagalpa is known for.
What does Matagalpa Catuai taste like?
Expect chocolate, almond, mild red fruit, expressed through the region's typical character: chocolate, red fruit, and caramel with balanced structure; honeys deepen into fig and molasses.
When is Catuai from Matagalpa 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.
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