Coffee known by various names such as joe, java or brew is an integral part of global culture cherished by millions around the world. Delving into its origins, researchers have recently decoded the genome of the Arabica species shedding light on its prehistoric roots in the forests of Ethiopia.
The findings of the study published in the journal Nature Genetics reveal that Arabica coffee traces its lineage to a natural mating between two other coffee species dating back an astonishing 610,000 to one million years ago. Remarkably, this makes Arabica coffee older than our own species, Homo sapiens which emerged in Africa approximately 300,000 years ago.
Sequencing the genomes of 39 Arabica varieties including an 18th-century specimen, researchers have crafted the most comprehensive genome of this species to date. They identified a specific region of the genome crucial for breeding or genetically engineering disease resistance opening new avenues for enhancing coffee production.
Victor Albert, a plant evolutionary biologist at the University at Buffalo in New York underscores the significance of Arabica coffee not only as a key commodity crop but also as a source of antioxidants and caffeine contributing to its widespread consumption.
The study highlights Arabica’s journey over millennia adapting to changing climates and cultivation by humans in Ethiopia and Yemen before spreading globally. Its genetic diversity is found to be limited due to historical inbreeding making it susceptible to pests and diseases.
Patrick Descombes, a genomics senior expert at Nestlé Research emphasizes the cultural and economic importance of Arabica coffee, woven into the fabric of societies where it is cultivated.
Arabica coffee’s genetic makeup stemming from a natural hybridization of Coffea canephora and Coffea eugenioides distinguishes it from its robusta counterpart. While robusta coffee is prized for its resilience, Arabica is renowned for its superior flavor profile favoured by coffee connoisseurs worldwide.
The study’s findings offer insights into the intricate history and genetic makeup of coffee paving the way for innovative breeding strategies to enhance disease resistance adaptability to climate change and flavour profiles.
This research illuminates the deep-rooted connection between coffee and humanity underscoring the need for sustainable practices to safeguard this beloved beverage for future generations.
