Javanica is originally a Java varietal. What the Mierisch family call Javanica, is a selection that they have made over the 20+ years that the family have worked with the varietal on their farms in Nicaragua. The Mierisch family have achieved this by breeding the highest scoring but also most resistant and productive trees, and this selection is Javanica.
The name comes from combining the word Java and the first part of the word Nicaragua, where it is grown. Javanica.
When discussing Javanica, it’s important to acknowledge the history of Java. The Java coffee varietal is traditionally associated with Indonesia, more specifically the volcano-dotted Indonesian island that this varietal established its name, Java. Whilst the coffee and the island have names in common, this varietal has a history dating further back than its existence on this island.
The coffee was first introduced to the island of Java by the Dutch in the early 19th century. Through thorough research and extensive genetic fingerprinting, it has been revealed that ‘Java’, as we know it, is actually a selection from the Ethiopian landrace population called Abyssinia.
With a unique long-berry bean and bronze tipped leaves, the Abyssinia has an inherent potential for hybridization with other varietals, making it an attractive choice for coffee growers looking to develop new and improved coffee plants. The diversity of this cultivar led to the plant being introduced to other parts of Indonesia, such as the Aceh region of Sumatra, where it has become an important part of the coffee industry.
The Java varietal has become well recognised for its flavour profile of a rich, full body with medium acidity. Beyond the final cup, this plant is known for its high yields, resistance to Coffee Berry Disease (CBD) and Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR). The prestigious aspects of the plant have made Java a globally sought after coffee varietal.
