This project studies the genetics and maritime history of coffee beans found in 18th- and 19th-century shipwrecks.

Why?

Ship wrecks can act as repositories of plant matter.

When we think about shipwreck discoveries, we often picture coins, porcelain, or other artifacts as the most valuable finds. Yet in favorable conditions, such as the cold waters of the Baltic Sea, even fragile plant remains can survive for centuries, or in some cases even thousands of years.

With modern genetic methods, these preserved plants open a window into the past. Many of the species found in wreck cargoes are still important crops today. By studying their ancient DNA, we can explore how cultivation has shaped the crops we rely on now. This research helps us understand what has been lost in the domestication process and could even guide the development of better crop varieties for the future.

Coffea arabica

Coffee is a rare find in archeology

Contacts

Researcher

Eero Saarinen linktr.ee/coffee_wrecks