TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute developed its first local coffee variety, “Tainung No. 1,” which matches specialty-grade quality after roasting.
The Ministry of Agriculture said Tuesday the new breed grows better in Taiwan’s mid- to low-altitude areas and produces about 1.2 times more beans than imported types. It has also been transferred to private firms for production and is now grown from the lowlands up to 1,300 meters, per CNA.
The institute said it bred the variety to address poor local adaptation of imported cultivars and climate-driven swings in yield and quality. It described the flavor as nutty with mild fruit acidity, a thick body, and a long finish.
CNA reported Tuesday that tests under international standards confirmed that roasted beans from low-altitude farms reached specialty coffee quality. The research institute said it will continue to promote the variety to improve Taiwan’s coffee competitiveness.
“Tainung No. 1” leaves contain twice the chlorogenic acid of ordinary plants. Researchers said the compound can be extracted to make tea and skincare products, giving farmers another source of income.
The research institute noted Taiwan’s coffee bean output is worth NT$1 billion (US$32.2 million) a year. It added that the country still imports over 50,000 metric tons of beans yearly, showing the local market has room to grow.
