A genetic study reveals the secrets behind the origins and taste of the world’s most consumed coffee, now increasingly vulnerable to climate change.
This RFI podcast, part of the weekly series “C’est dans ta nature”, focuses on the biodiversity and history of coffee, specifically Arabica, the most consumed variety in the world.
Key points from the episode:
- The Reign of Arabica: While there are dozens of coffee species, only two are predominantly used for beverages: Robusta and, above all, Arabica, which accounts for about 60% of global production.
- Origins and Taste: The episode explores the secrets of Arabica, including its prized taste, thanks to recent genetic studies. It emerged about 600,000 years ago in East Africa.
- Growing Vulnerability: The podcast highlights the fragility of this species in the face of a major challenge: climate change. This vulnerability threatens its status as the world’s most consumed coffee in the future.
This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of biodiversity, consumption, and climate challenges, through the lens of one of the world’s most popular beverages.
Listen to the podcast:
C’est dans ta nature, RFI, 25/06/2024.
