The Origins and Traits of Reunion Island’s Bourbon Coffee

When you hear about rare or historical coffee origins, your mind might jump to Yemen or Ethiopia—but what about Reunion Island? In 1715, around 40 coffee seedlings from Yemen’s Port of Mocha were shipped to what was then known as the Isle de Bourbon (today’s Réunion Island). Only two survived the journey. Yet those two plants launched a coffee industry that once defined the island—and left behind a legacy still known today as ‘Bourbon coffee.’

The short answer? The first successful coffee cultivation on Reunion began in 1719, just four years after arrival. By 1723, colonial law forced all residents—including enslaved people—to plant large numbers of coffee trees annually. That same year, the island’s Arabian coffee strain evolved into what we now call the Bourbon variety.

The Arrival and Survival of Coffee on Reunion Island

In 1715, 40 coffee seedlings from Yemen’s Mocha port were brought to Reunion Island. Tragically, only two of these initial trees survived. Despite the high mortality, coffee cultivation took root. By 1719, the island had growing coffee plantations and produced its first commercial coffee bean harvest. The small-scale success eventually turned into a government-mandated industry.

Colonial Coffee Policies and Forced Planting

Throughout the 1720s, the French colonial government instituted strict coffee-growing policies. All island inhabitants—regardless of race—were required to plant 100 coffee trees per year. Then, in 1723, the law was amended to mandate that every enslaved person plant 200 trees of the Mocha variety annually. Destroying a coffee tree was even punishable by death. These measures rapidly expanded coffee cultivation across the island while reinforcing the colonial system.

What Made Bourbon Coffee Different?

The Arabian coffee trees originally brought from Yemen adapted to Reunion’s environment. Over time, they developed distinct characteristics and became known as the ‘Bourbon’ variety—named after the island’s colonial name. These trees produced smaller beans compared to typical Arabian coffee, marking them as genetically distinct. Though no longer grown commercially on Reunion today, Bourbon coffee spread globally and laid the foundation for many modern Arabica cultivars.

Flavor Profile and Roasting Recommendations

Bourbon coffee from Reunion was noted for its rich, well-balanced flavor profile. The variety typically offers a full body and smooth mouthfeel. For optimal results, roasters recommend medium to dark roasts to highlight its inherent sweetness and complexity. While specific tasting notes from the original Reunion-grown Bourbon are scarce, modern bourbon-type coffees often express notes of caramel, citrus, and soft floral tones depending on processing and roast level.

Why Isn’t Bourbon Coffee Grown on Reunion Anymore?

Today, Reunion Island has almost entirely abandoned coffee production. Though the Bourbon coffee variety originated there, changing economic priorities, land use, and global market pressures led to the near-total disappearance of coffee farming on the island. The genetic lineage, however, lives on internationally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did Reunion Island’s coffee originally come from?

Reunion Island’s first coffee plants came from Yemen’s Port of Mocha in 1715. Out of approximately 40 seedlings shipped, only two survived and became the origin of the island’s coffee industry.

What is Bourbon coffee and why is it called that?

Bourbon coffee refers to the coffee variety that evolved from Arabian coffee plants brought to Reunion Island (then called Bourbon Island) in the early 18th century. It was named after the island under French colonial rule.

What made Bourbon coffee different from other Arabica?

Bourbon coffee developed smaller beans than typical Arabian varieties and showed unique growth traits. Though it originated on Reunion, the Bourbon variety was later cultivated worldwide and became one of the foundational Arabica types.

How should Bourbon coffee be roasted?

Bourbon coffee is best roasted at medium to dark levels. This roast range enhances its natural sweetness, balance, and body, bringing out the smooth and rich characteristics the variety is known for.

Is any coffee still grown on Reunion Island today?

No, Reunion Island currently produces almost no coffee. The local coffee industry faded over time due to economic and social changes, despite its historical significance.

What happened to the coffee trees on Reunion Island?

Although the original Bourbon coffee variety thrived briefly, it is no longer grown on the island. The trees were exported globally, but local production declined and nearly disappeared in modern times.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans Related to Bourbon Heritage

Though Reunion no longer grows coffee, the Bourbon variety lives on in modern cultivars. FrontStreet Coffee’s Brazil Queen Manor features Yellow Bourbon grown at high altitude, offering bright acidity with notes of caramel, peanut brittle, and almond. For red fruit lovers, Rwanda Red Bourbon highlights juicy acidity with citrus and floral tones, roasted lighter to preserve its vibrancy. Both showcase the genetic legacy of the original Bourbon coffee brought to Reunion in 1715. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.