🌱✨ Korean Coffee Taster Highlights Quality of Hybrids Developed by CATIE ✨🌱

In a recent visit, Young Jun Cho, a coffee taster from the Korean company Prism Coffee Works, praised the high-quality coffee hybrids developed by CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center). The visit coincided with the 75th anniversary of CATIE’s International Coffee Collection, a milestone that underscores CATIE's long history in coffee research and development.

High-Performing Hybrids

CATIE’s F1 hybrids are the result of crossbreeding two pure lines, combining the best traits from both parents. These hybrids are known for their high productivity, disease resistance, and exceptional cup quality. Cho commended the Milenio hybrid, which won third place in the Cup of Excellence in Costa Rica in 2022, describing it as a top-tier coffee. The Esperanza hybrid received even higher marks, and the Centroamericano hybrid was also praised for its outstanding notes.

A Rich Legacy

The International Coffee Collection, the second largest in Latin America and the fourth largest globally, includes 1,975 coffee types from around the world. This diverse collection features 20 types of Liberica and 77 types of Robusta.

Positive Feedback

Luis Pocasangre, CATIE’s Director General, expressed his satisfaction with the high regard for CATIE’s hybrids. He highlighted their resistance to rust, high productivity, and exceptional cup quality, as noted by Cho.

Delegation Visit

The Korean delegation included Young Jun Cho, students Sung Min Kim and Seung Hwa Han; Marlen León, a researcher from Laval University in Canada; and coffee producer Flor Coghi Hernández. Coghi, who has a coffee farm in Ujarrás, Paraíso de Cartago, shared her positive experience with CATIE’s Centroamericano hybrid, noting its adaptability to the farm’s conditions and excellent cupping results in Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Growing Coffee Market

Coghi also noted Korea’s evolving coffee market, which has shifted from tea to coffee consumption, making it a market with great potential for new flavors and varieties.

Invitation to Celebrate

Pocasangre invited the Prism Coffee Works team to participate in CATIE’s 75th-anniversary event in December. Programs are being prepared for baristas and roasters from Asia, including Korea, to share in this unique experience.

#CATIE #PrismCoffeeWorks #CoffeeHybrids #SustainableAgriculture #CoffeeQuality #Innovation #75YearsOfCATIE #CoffeeResearch #GlobalCoffeeCommunity #CoffeeInKorea

Written by: Katie Bermudez.

Edited by: Estefanie Ramírez B.