Tolima · Variety
Caturra in Tolima
Tolima is known for once-hidden southern valleys now producing standout sweet, fruited washed lots, and Caturra is one of the varieties behind that reputation. The region's farms sit at 1,300–2,000 m — Caturra's preferred range is 1,200–1,900 m — and harvest runs main: october – december; mitaca: april – june, the window in which the variety's character is decided in the field.
Caturra brings its own agronomic personality to Tolima: a dwarf/compact, high planting density plant with high (with fertilization) yield potential, and disease behavior best summarized as highly susceptible to leaf rust. Regional processing leans on washed, honey, which shapes how the variety's raw material reaches the cup.
Tasted side by side with the same variety from other regions, Tolima's expression stands apart: the variety contributes bright citric acidity, sugar-cane sweetness, lighter body than bourbon, while the regional cup runs toward dark cherry, panela, and citrus zest; creamy body with lively acidity in the south's best lots from planadas and gaitania. That interaction — genetics times place — is exactly what regional sourcing is about.
Key facts
| Region | Tolima |
|---|---|
| Country | Colombia |
| Region altitude | 1,300–2,000 m |
| Variety optimal altitude | 1,200–1,900 m |
| Harvest | Main: October – December; mitaca: April – June |
| Species | Arabica |
| Lineage | Natural dwarf mutation of Bourbon, discovered in Minas Gerais, Brazil (1930s) |
| Disease resistance | Highly susceptible to leaf rust |
| Regional cup profile | Dark cherry, panela, and citrus zest; creamy body with lively acidity in the south's best lots from Planadas and Gaitania. |
Caturra in Tolima — frequently asked questions
Does Caturra grow well in Tolima?
Yes — the region's 1,300–2,000 m range overlaps the variety's preferred 1,200–1,900 m, and local processing traditions (washed, honey) suit its characteristics. It is one of the varieties Tolima is known for.
What does Tolima Caturra taste like?
Expect bright citric acidity, sugar-cane sweetness, lighter body than bourbon, expressed through the region's typical character: dark cherry, panela, and citrus zest; creamy body with lively acidity in the south's best lots from planadas and gaitania.
When is Caturra from Tolima harvested?
The regional harvest runs main: october – december; mitaca: april – june; 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