The Coffee Podcast
E155 | Coffee Science: Wild Coffee
Dec 21, 2020
In this insightful discussion, Aaron Davis, an expert in coffee research at the Royal Botanical Gardens, dives into the fascinating world of wild coffee species. He reveals the rich biodiversity within the Caffea genus and the importance of understanding these varieties for sustainability. Aaron discusses the link between coffee production and deforestation, emphasizing the need for responsible practices. He also highlights the potential of wild coffee in adapting to climate change, urging more funding for crucial research to ensure the future of coffee.
28:22
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Quick takeaways
- Research reveals nearly 100 distinct wild coffee species in Madagascar, emphasizing the need for diversity beyond Arabica and Robusta to enhance future coffee resilience.
- Proper funding for coffee research is critical to address challenges like climate change and deforestation, necessitating transparency and sustainability in the coffee industry.
Deep dives
Exploring Wild Coffee Species Diversity
The episode delves into the significant diversity of wild coffee species, highlighting that coffee research initially underestimated the number of species. Over a three-year project in Madagascar, researchers discovered nearly 100 distinct wild coffee species, nearly doubling previous estimates. This project emphasized the need to explore the coffee species beyond the commonly known Arabica and Robusta, as these lesser-known varieties may offer unique traits beneficial for future coffee production. Understanding this diversity is crucial, especially given the impact of climate change on coffee agriculture, necessitating resilience beyond the two primary cultivated species.
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