Low-Caffeine Coffee Varieties: Bourbon Pointu & Ethiopian Wild Strains

If you’ve ever craved a great cup of coffee without the caffeine jitters—or simply wanted to enjoy espresso late at night—then you’ve likely wondered: are there any naturally low-caffeine coffee varieties that still taste amazing? The answer lies in two remarkable discoveries: the historic Bourbon Pointu and a newly identified wild Ethiopian coffee strain, both offering full flavor with a fraction of normal caffeine levels.

The short answer? Yes. Bourbon Pointu coffee naturally contains just 0.4–0.75% caffeine by bean weight—about half that of regular Arabica—while a wild Ethiopian variety surprises with an astonishing 0.07%, over 20 times lower than standard Arabica. Both are rare, but real.

The Birth of Bourbon Pointu: A Coffee Mutant on a Remote Island

In 1715, French colonists transplanted Yemen’s round-seeded Typica-style coffee to Bourbon Island (now Réunion) in the Indian Ocean. Isolated from the mainland and exposed to different growing conditions, the trees evolved by 1810 into a distinct variant: Bourbon Pointu. This new variety developed elongated, pointed beans and a shorter tree stature. Though its yield was modest, the coffee gained legendary status among 19th-century drinkers for its sweet, sleep-friendly profile.

Rediscovery and Near Loss of Bourbon Pointu

By the mid-20th century, Bourbon Pointu had largely disappeared from cultivation due to low productivity. Farmers replaced coffee farms with sugarcane, and the variety was presumed extinct—living on only in the memories of older coffee enthusiasts. That changed in 1999, when Japanese coffee expert Akaida Kawashima, formerly of UCC (now part of Ueshima Coffee), heard rumors of surviving trees while visiting El Salvador. Though initially dismissed by locals during his 1999 trip to Bourbon Island, he left contact details. In 2001, a farmer reported finding around 30 wild-growing trees resembling the lost variety. After verification with French authorities and expert analysis, the trees were confirmed as the long-lost Bourbon Pointu.

The Science and Revival of Bourbon Pointu

In 2006, a collaborative effort between French agricultural researchers and Japan’s UCC led to the first limited harvest of 700 kg of green beans. From this, just 240 kg of carefully selected lots were processed. Nearly all were shipped to Japan, where UCC roasted them and sold 100 g portions for ¥7,350—over four times the price of top-grade Blue Mountain. The 2007 release of 2,000 units sold out on the first day. Tasters reported a unique cup: no bitterness, bright citrus acidity, pronounced fruity notes, and even hints of Chinese lychee.

Ethiopia’s Wild Low-Caffeine Coffee Breakthrough

While Bourbon Pointu offers a storied, low-caffeine option, another discovery overshadowed it in scientific impact. In June 2004, Brazilian botanist Paulo Mazzafera of the State University of Campinas announced the identification of wild Ethiopian coffee trees with an unprecedented caffeine content of just 0.07% of bean weight—over 20 times lower than standard Arabica’s roughly 1.2–1.5%. His research team screened over 3,000 samples from 300 Ethiopian Arabica trees and isolated three naturally low-caffeine subspecies. Published in the journal Nature, the findings revealed these were all Arabica, not Robusta, and despite some genetic limitations affecting yield, they retained the desirable cup quality of high-grade Arabica.

Mazzafera suggested that blending or other agronomic methods could improve viability for commercial production. The revelation caused a brief diplomatic stir when Ethiopian authorities accused Brazil of unauthorized collection, but the two nations eventually agreed to collaborate, ensuring shared stewardship of this remarkable genetic resource.

Why Do These Coffees Have So Little Caffeine?

Caffeine acts as a natural pest deterrent in coffee plants. However, genetic mutations can reduce caffeine synthesis pathways. In both Bourbon Pointu and the Ethiopian wild strains, such mutations have occurred naturally. While the exact mechanisms differ, the outcome is the same: significantly less caffeine without sacrificing the complex flavors that make specialty coffee so prized.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bourbon Pointu coffee?

Bourbon Pointu is a naturally occurring mutation of Bourbon coffee that emerged on Réunion Island by 1810. It features elongated (pointed) beans, a compact tree structure, and a distinctive cup profile with sweet, low-caffeine flavor. Its caffeine content is about 0.4–0.75% of bean weight—around half that of regular Arabica.

Where is Bourbon Pointu grown today?

Bourbon Pointu was nearly extinct by the 1950s but was rediscovered in 2001 on Réunion Island through the efforts of Japanese researcher Akaida Kawashima. A small revival project in the early 2000s produced limited quantities, mostly sold to the Japanese market.

How much caffeine is in Ethiopian wild low-caffeine coffee?

The wild Ethiopian coffee discovered in 2004 by Brazilian scientists contains just 0.07% caffeine by bean weight—more than 20 times lower than standard Arabica coffee, which typically contains around 1.2–1.5% caffeine.

Is Ethiopian wild low-caffeine coffee available commercially?

Not yet. Although scientifically verified and recognized for its ultra-low caffeine and Arabica-quality flavor, the Ethiopian wild low-caffeine coffee is still in the research phase. No commercial product is currently available to consumers.

Why is low-caffeine coffee so rare?

Naturally low-caffeine coffee is rare because most mutations that reduce caffeine also tend to reduce yield, disease resistance, or cup quality. Most existing decaf coffee is made by removing caffeine from regular beans via chemical or water processes, not by cultivating inherently low-caffeine plants.

What does Bourbon Pointu coffee taste like?

Bourbon Pointu is known for a smooth, sweet cup with no bitterness, vibrant citrus acidity, and complex fruit notes. Some tasters have noted flavors reminiscent of lychee. It offers a unique sensory experience without the typical caffeine kick.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Low-Caffeine Brewing

For those seeking low-caffeine options without compromising flavor, try FrontStreet’s Ethiopia Huakui—a bright, juicy cup with notes of strawberry and tropical fruit, perfect for pour-over. The Yirgacheffe-sourced Gedeb offering brings delicate citrus and floral tones, ideal for sensitive drinkers. For something nuttier and smoother, the Yunnan Arabica delivers chocolatey depth with a gentle acidity. All are 100% Arabica and perfect for exploring flavor-first, low-impact coffee. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.