Beverage
Pacamara
A tier
Pacamara is a large-bean Coffea arabica cultivar developed in El Salvador by crossing Pacas with Maragogipe. It combines the compact Bourbon-derived Pacas plant with the oversized “elephant bean” seed of Maragogipe and is prized in specialty coffee for complex floral, fruit, and spice cup profiles. The variety can be irregular in yield and quality across sites, rewarding high altitude, careful nutrition, and selective picking. When well grown it is a competition favourite; poorly managed lots can taste hollow or overripe, so reputation rests on meticulous farm and mill practice.
Also known as: Pacamara, Pacamara, Pacamara, Pacamara
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Characteristics
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History
Salvadoran coffee researchers at ISIC crossed Pacas and Maragogipe to create a large-bean commercial cultivar.
Pacamara selections were evaluated and released for planting in Salvadoran growing regions.
Specialty exporters began promoting Pacamara for distinctive cup character beyond commodity grades.
Pacamara repeatedly placed in Cup of Excellence and other competitions across Central America.
Plantings expanded to Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and beyond among quality-focused producers.