Nicaragua Elephant Beans

World’s Largest Coffee Beans – Nicaraguan Bean Known for their Heft

In Nicaragua grows a coffee plant that produces very large leaves and berries as well as the planet’s largest coffee beans. They are known as Elephant Beans, and the cultivar is a spontaneous variation of Arabica Typica (Coffea arabica var. Typica). The plant grows best at elevations between 2,000 and 2,500 feet above sea level.

First grown in Brazil, this mutant variety of this Arabica Typica plant now thrives in Nicaragua. While the yield of Maragogype is not large, the beans certainly are.

Lower Yield Produces More Concentrated Flavor

The plant’s lower yield (e.g., fewer coffee cherry) is said to produce a superior bean with a more concentrated flavor and thus better cup of brewed coffee. This is said of Maragogype as well as the Pacamara varietal.

Nicaragua Pacamara is a large-beaned coffee that is a cross of the Pacas varietal (an El Salvador hybrid) and the Maragogype varietal.

Pacamara is relatively easy to cultivate yet more difficult to pulp and dry properly. The mill equipment needs to be recalibrated and special care has to be taken during the fermentation and washing, with increased rotations on the drying beds.

Elephant Beans Produce Fine Body Balance, and Brightness

Nicaraguan Maragogype Elephant Bean coffee is known for its fine body, exquisite balance, bright acidity, and clean taste. A medium roast is recommended and not more.