Beverage
French Mission
B tier
French Mission is a Bourbon-type Coffea arabica lineage introduced to East Africa by missionaries from Bourbon (Réunion) and related French colonial routes. It is not a single clone but a traditional population of tall Bourbon plants that founded much of Kenya’s, Tanzania’s, and neighbouring countries’ early arabica industry. Cups from French Mission descendants are often sweet, complex, and brightly acidic at high elevation—traits later refined in selections such as SL28. Modern farms may still maintain French Mission or closely related Bourbon for quality, though pure stands are less common than hybrid or selected cultivars.
Also known as: French Mission, French Mission Bourbon, French Mission, French Mission
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Characteristics
Preparations
Traits
Grading systems
Grades are placed along a shared scale so systems can be compared side by side.
History
French missionaries and colonial planters introduced Bourbon-type arabica that became known as French Mission in East Africa.
Mission and estate plantings established Bourbon populations across Tanganyikan highlands.
Scott Agricultural Laboratories selections from French Mission and related material produced elite lines including SL28 and SL34.
French Mission Bourbon remained a reference traditional type as national breeding programmes expanded.
Specialty producers revived interest in old Bourbon and French Mission plantings for cup complexity.