Yunnan Arabica Coffee (Xiaoli Kafei)

Yunnan Arabica Coffee (云南小粒咖啡) is a type of coffee originating from Ethiopia (埃塞俄比亚) or the Arabian Peninsula (阿拉伯半岛). Arabica coffee is native to Ethiopia or the Arabian Peninsula and is cultivated in various regions of China, including Fujian (福建), Taiwan (台湾), Guangdong (广东), Hainan (海南), Guangxi (广西), Sichuan (四川), Guizhou (贵州), and Yunnan (云南). Arabica coffee prefers full sunlight and moist conditions, growing best in temperatures between 18°C and 28°C. It thrives in sandy, fertile, well-drained soil and is typically propagated through cuttings or seeds.

Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.), commonly known as small grain coffee, is a small tree or large shrub belonging to the Rubiaceae family. The leaves are opposite or rarely whorled, and are leathery, elliptical, oblong, or lanceolate in shape with a wedge-shaped base. Both sides of the leaf are hairless, with or without small depressions on the lower veins. The flower has a pleasant fragrance, with two triangular bracts and a white corolla longer than the corolla tube. The fruit is a broad, round shape, and turns red when ripe, with seeds that have longitudinal grooves. The flowering period is from March to April, and the fruit ripening period is from April to June.

Arabica coffee beans are used in medicine, known for their strong stimulant effects. They can relax smooth muscles, increase heart output, and stimulate the secretion of digestive juices. According to the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Materia Medica, the processed coffee beans are used to treat symptoms such as fatigue, dysuria, diarrhea, dysentery, and poor appetite. After harvesting the ripe fruit, the beans undergo fermentation, drying, and roasting to produce high-quality coffee beans, which have significant economic value. These coffee plants are especially suited for leisure farms due to their aesthetic appearance.

Morphological Characteristics

Arabica coffee plants in Yunnan are typically small trees or large shrubs, growing to a height of 5-8 meters, with multiple branches at the base. The old branches are grayish-white with swollen nodes, while the young branches are hairless and flattened. The leaves are thin and leathery, typically elliptical or lanceolate, measuring 6-14 cm in length and 3.5-5 cm in width. The apex of the leaf is long and pointed, with the base being wedge-shaped or slightly blunt, and the margins are entire or shallowly wavy. Both sides of the leaf are hairless, and the midrib is raised on both sides. The leaf stalks are 8-15 mm long, and the stipules are broad, triangular, with a pointed tip, and are found on the upper part of the young branches.

The flowers are arranged in inflorescences with 2-5 flowers per cluster, typically without a main flower stalk or with a very short one. The flowers are fragrant, with a 0.5-1 mm long pedicel. The bracts are wide and triangular, with two of them almost equal in length and width, and the other two lanceolate, twice as long as their width. The calyx tube is tubular, 2.5-3 mm in length, and the corolla is white, ranging from 10-18 mm in length, with a five-lobed top. The anthers protrude from the corolla, measuring 6-8 mm long, and the pistil is 12-14 mm long with a bifurcated stigma.

When the fruit matures, it takes on an oblong shape, is red in color, and measures 12-16 mm in length with a diameter of 10-12 mm. The outer skin is hard, the middle skin is fleshy with a sweet taste, and the seeds are convex on the back, flat on the front, with longitudinal grooves. The flowering period is from March to April.

Significance of Yunnan Arabica Coffee

Yunnan’s geographic and climatic advantages make it an ideal region for cultivating high-quality Arabica coffee. The beans produced in this region are highly sought after due to their unique flavor, which combines rich sweetness with a fruity and floral aroma. These beans have gained recognition as one of the world’s finest coffee varieties, and Yunnan is becoming an increasingly important player in the global coffee market.

History and Development of Yunnan Arabica Coffee

Yunnan’s coffee industry owes its rapid growth to its superior geographical conditions. The combination of the province’s climate, elevation, and soil quality makes it ideal for growing coffee. This has allowed the planting area and output of Yunnan Arabica Coffee to increase significantly.

Yunnan’s coffee has been well received in global markets, particularly for its unique taste profile, which combines moderate acidity, strong fragrance, and a mellow flavor. Its distinct taste is highly appreciated by international coffee consumers.

The Composition and Health Benefits of Yunnan Arabica Coffee

Flavonoids are an important component of coffee, contributing to its health benefits. Yunnan Arabica Coffee, which traditionally refers to a mix of coffee varieties, is known for its slightly bitter taste, refreshing properties, and appetite-stimulating effects. Additionally, the flavonoids in the coffee provide several medicinal benefits, including antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer effects. It is also believed to have anti-aging properties and can help prevent cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.

The coffee’s medicinal qualities, including the ability to remove free radicals from the body, make it a popular choice for health-conscious consumers.

Coffee Growing Regions in Yunnan

Most of the Yunnan Arabica Coffee is grown in the dry and hot valleys, typically at elevations around 1100 meters above sea level. Key growing regions in Yunnan include Lincang (临沧), Baoshan (保山), Simao (思茅), Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), Dehong (德宏), Nujiang (怒江), and other neighboring prefectures.

The Lujiangba (潞江坝) area in Baoshan is particularly renowned as the best region for growing Yunnan Arabica Coffee. The area’s climate, with an average temperature of 21.5°C and occasional highs of up to 40.4°C, creates the perfect conditions for cultivating coffee. Additionally, the region is generally frost-free throughout the year, enhancing the quality of the coffee.

Thanks to these favorable conditions, Yunnan Arabica Coffee has been recognized by the International Coffee Organization as one of the highest-quality coffees globally.

Coffee Varieties and Planting Techniques

Plant Varieties

Yunnan Arabica Coffee is primarily a hybrid of the Bourbon and Typica coffee varieties. These two varieties are well-suited to the region’s growing conditions, contributing to the unique flavor profile of Yunnan coffee.

Planting and Cultivation Methods

Coffee plants require careful cultivation to produce high-quality beans. The process includes selecting healthy, disease-free parent trees, ensuring consistent soil moisture, and maintaining appropriate temperatures for germination and growth.

Seed Selection

Choose robust, healthy trees that are at least five years old and free of pests and diseases. The seeds should be fully mature, with consistent size and shape, and free of defects.

Germination

Seeds are typically germinated using a sandbed method, which ensures consistent moisture and temperature. The temperature for germination should be maintained between 19°C and 26°C, with seeds beginning to sprout in approximately 55-60 days. It’s important to avoid excessive exposure to sunlight, which can affect germination.

Seedling Care and Transplanting

The seedlings are carefully nurtured until they reach a height of 15cm or more and are then transplanted into the ground. It is crucial to protect them from pests and diseases and provide them with adequate water and nutrients to encourage healthy growth.

Yunnan Arabica Coffee’s International Recognition

Yunnan’s Arabica coffee has gained international recognition, thanks in part to its unique flavor and excellent quality. In 1993, Yunnan’s “Baoshan Arabica Coffee” (地理标志保护产品) won the “Eureka” Gold Award at the World Coffee Review in Brussels, solidifying its place in the international coffee market.

The Yunnan Provincial Government has supported the coffee industry through policies designed to accelerate its development. As a result, Yunnan has become China’s largest coffee production base, accounting for over 97% of the country’s coffee production by area.

Yunnan Coffee’s Economic Impact

As of 2017, Yunnan was home to approximately 1,000 coffee-related enterprises. The province’s coffee industry has expanded across the entire supply chain, from breeding and planting to processing and beverage production. Yunnan coffee is now exported to Europe, North America, Japan, South Korea, and the Middle East, making it one of China’s key agricultural exports.

By 2017, Yunnan’s coffee planting area had expanded to 122,000 hectares, with an output of 144,000 tons, ranking it 12th in global production and 4th in Asia.

Economic Importance

Yunnan’s Arabica coffee has become one of the province’s most significant agricultural products, surpassing even tobacco and vegetables in export value. It is now a major agricultural export for China, helping the province to engage more actively in global markets.

Morphological Features of Yunnan Arabica Coffee Plants

The coffee tree is typically a small tree or large shrub, growing 5-8 meters in height. The leaves are thin and leathery, oval or lance-shaped, measuring 6-14 cm long and 3.5-5 cm wide. The flowers are aromatic, with the white petals measuring 10-18 mm in length. The fruit, or coffee cherries, turn red when ripe and have a characteristic oval shape, measuring 12-16 mm in length and 10-12 mm in diameter.

Plant Characteristics

Arabica coffee is resistant to cold and can grow at elevations up to 2100 meters in tropical regions. However, it does not tolerate drought well and is susceptible to wind damage. The tree’s branches are somewhat brittle, and the fruit tends to drop easily once ripe.

Planting Techniques and Maintenance

The cultivation of Arabica coffee requires careful attention to several factors, including soil preparation, irrigation, pest control, and the management of diseases. Specialized techniques are employed to ensure the health of the plants and the quality of the coffee beans.

Fertilization and Irrigation

Fertilizing the plants with organic fertilizers and ensuring consistent watering during the growing season are key to encouraging robust growth. Irrigation systems are set up to provide sufficient moisture, especially during the dry season.

Pest and Disease Control

Common pests and diseases that affect coffee plants include ants, root rot, and leaf spot. Integrated pest management techniques, including the use of organic pesticides, are employed to minimize damage and maintain healthy plants.

Cultivation Techniques

Site Selection

The growth and development of coffee plants are closely related to climatic and environmental conditions. In areas with strong winds, high temperatures, intense sunlight, and dry soil, the plant’s axillary buds tend to differentiate into flower buds, which reduces the growth of the branches and can lead to premature aging. Therefore, it is essential to select locations with calm winds, higher humidity, and shorter periods of sunlight. Arabica coffee is a water-demanding plant that is also sensitive to excessive moisture. Areas with annual rainfall below 1400mm should have irrigation systems or water facilities. Good aeration is crucial for the root system, so poorly-drained soils should have drainage channels installed. If the soil is sandy and lacks moisture retention and fertility, mulching and organic fertilizers should be used. Sloped areas should be converted into terraced land for better suitability for planting.

Before planting, dig planting holes 2-3 months in advance. Separate the topsoil from the subsoil during the digging process, return the subsoil to the hole, and apply 100 kg of calcium-magnesium-phosphorus fertilizer per acre. If possible, add 2-5 kg of organic manure as base fertilizer. Approximately 15 days before planting, fill the hole with a mixture of topsoil and base fertilizer to prevent soil subsidence, which could impact seedling survival.

Seedling Management

After sowing, seedlings emerge in 50-80 days. Once the seedlings have two leaves, they can be transplanted into nutrient bags for further management. Water the seedbed before transplanting, ensuring that the roots retain as much soil as possible. Be careful not to damage the roots or stems. After transplanting, water thoroughly and provide shade with small shelters. Seedlings are prone to drought and may die if not watered regularly. Water 1-2 times a day, reducing frequency on rainy days. When seedlings grow 2-3 true leaves, the first fertilization should occur, using 1000 kg of human manure, 5 kg of superphosphate, and 2000 kg of water per acre. Continue applying water-based fertilizer when the seedlings reach 4-5 pairs of true leaves and again at 7-8 pairs. Fertilization should stop 1-2 months before the seedlings are transplanted to ensure stability for better survival post-planting.

Planting Techniques

The planting distance depends on the variety, pruning practices, and the local climate and soil conditions. Common planting distances are 2m × 1.2m (278 plants per acre), 2m × 1m (333 plants per acre), and 1.8m × 2m (185 plants per acre). In Tanglang Township (汤郎乡), the typical planting distance is 2m × 1m. Planting is generally done after the rainy season begins, between July and September, during cooler, cloudy days or when the soil is moist, ensuring better seedling survival.

When planting, select strong seedlings with stable terminal buds, healthy growth, and well-developed root systems, free from pests and diseases. Poor seedlings, with bent roots or deformities, should be eliminated. There are four common planting methods based on the conditions of the seedlings and the area:

• Bare-root Planting: The main root should be straight, and the side roots should be well-distributed in their natural state. The soil should be returned in layers and lightly compacted, avoiding excessive pressure to prevent root damage.

• Ball-root Planting: This method is used when irrigation is difficult and climate conditions are poor. It results in higher survival rates but is not widely adopted due to transportation challenges and the labor-intensive process.

• Cutting Planting: Typically used for seedlings aged 2 years or older, with heights exceeding 1 meter. The main stem is cut 25-30 cm above the ground before planting. This method results in higher survival rates, and the newly-grown buds should be promptly pruned after establishment.

• Bagged Seedling Planting: When using bagged seedlings, it is essential to trim the roots before planting to prevent them from bending, especially for one-year-old seedlings, which are prone to root deformation if this step is skipped.

Coffee plants are sensitive to drought after planting, so the soil should be kept moist. Watering should be done immediately after planting, followed by watering every 3-5 days until the plants are established. In dry and hot river valleys, mulching around the plant base can help reduce soil temperature and maintain natural moisture, promoting root growth.

Pruning and Shaping

Within the first two years after planting, coffee plants may develop some secondary stems. These should be retained to form a multi-trunk structure, but irregular development of secondary stems can affect yield, so shaping and pruning are necessary. The shaping and pruning style depend on the growth characteristics and environmental conditions of different coffee varieties. Common shaping styles for Arabica coffee are single-stem and multi-stem types.

In areas such as Luquan Tanglang (禄劝汤郎), Jiaoping (皎平), where the climate is hot and rainy and the altitude is low, the main stem grows rapidly with few secondary branches, leading to fewer fruiting branches. In such conditions, a multi-stem shaping style is more suitable. In this approach, the main trunk is replaced periodically after 3-5 years of fruiting to maintain high productivity. The replacement process involves cutting the old main stems and retaining new ones. This can be done through multiple cycles, such as a four-trunk, three-cycle rotation or a five-trunk, three-cycle rotation.

Harvesting and Processing

Harvesting

Arabica coffee fruit matures after 8-10 months of development and should be harvested at the right time. The ideal harvest period is when the fruit turns golden yellow to bright red. If the fruit turns purple or black, it is overripe and will negatively affect color and taste. The harvest period for small grain coffee is generally concentrated from October to December, and the fruit should be picked as it ripens.

Initial Processing

There are two main processing methods for Arabica coffee: dry processing and wet processing. In practice, dry processing is often used because it is simple and cost-effective. This method involves spreading the harvested fruit on drying beds until fully dried, followed by removing the outer shell using a dehulling machine or a traditional mortar and pestle. The processed coffee beans are then sorted and cleaned, ready for further use.

Main Value

Economic Value

Arabica coffee beans are fermented, sun-dried, and roasted to produce high-quality coffee beans, which have significant economic value. As evergreen shrubs, they are ideal for leisure farms, adding both aesthetic and economic value. The seeds of coffee contain caffeine, proteins, fats, crude fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. Moderate caffeine intake stimulates the brain, heart, blood vessels, gastrointestinal system, muscles, and kidneys, enhancing metabolism and reducing muscle fatigue. The outer skin and pulp of the fruit can be used for making alcohol or animal feed.

Small grain coffee fruits are smaller than those of medium or large grain coffee. The berries are elliptical, typically containing two seeds, commonly known as “coffee beans.”

Medicinal Value

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), coffee seeds are used for their stimulating effects, such as relaxing smooth muscles, increasing heart output, and stimulating digestive fluid secretion. According to The Materia Medica of Ethnic Medicine (维药志), coffee is used to treat symptoms like mental fatigue, dysuria, diarrhea, dysentery, and poor appetite. The seeds are bitter and astringent and are known to aid digestion, act as a diuretic, and stimulate the body.

Relationship and Differences Between Arabica and Yunnan Small Grain Coffee

1. Variety Relationship

Arabica (Coffea arabica) is the most predominant coffee variety worldwide, accounting for more than 75% of global coffee production. Small grain coffee is not an independent variety but a specific cultivation branch of Arabica in the Yunnan region. It is considered a regional subspecies under the Arabica variety. The varieties planted in Yunnan, such as Catuai (卡蒂姆) and Typica (铁皮卡), all belong to the small grain coffee category.

2. Core Differences

Planting Range

• Arabica: This variety is highly adaptable and can be grown at altitudes ranging from 600 to 2100 meters worldwide.

• Small Grain Coffee: Mainly concentrated in the river valley regions of Pu’er (普洱) and Baoshan (保山) in Yunnan, at altitudes between 800 and 1850 meters.

Flavor Characteristics

• Arabica: Standard Arabica coffee typically has medium to high acidity, with complex aromas of nuts, chocolate, or fruit.

• Small Grain Coffee: Yunnan’s small grain coffee has a softer acidity, highlighting citrus, floral, and tea aromas. It is full-bodied with lower bitterness.

Variety Characteristics

• Arabica: Includes native subspecies such as Typica and Geisha (瑰夏), which have a rich flavor profile with various layers.

• Small Grain Coffee: Primarily consists of Catuai (a hybrid variety), which is known for stronger resistance to diseases and pests.

Market Positioning

• Arabica: Internationally, Arabica is mainly marketed as specialty coffee, with a higher price range (50-120 RMB per 100g).

• Small Grain Coffee: Yunnan’s small grain coffee offers excellent cost-effectiveness (30-80 RMB per 100g), making it suitable for everyday consumption.

3. Special Notes

The term “small grain” originates from the local term in Yunnan referring to the smaller beans of Arabica. However, the internationally recognized name remains Arabica. The high altitude and significant temperature fluctuations between day and night in Yunnan contribute to the unique flavor profile of small grain coffee, making it a distinctive branch within the Arabica family.