When you go shopping, whether it’s for groceries or to your favorite cafe, you’re always searching for the top-of-the-line, whole-bean coffee. It can be quite daunting with so many choices. So, why not start with Colombian coffee?
Colombia is the third largest producer of coffee, trailing only Brazil and Vietnam. Approximately 12% of the total global supply of beans originates from Colombia, with over 500,000 households cultivating and harvesting these much sought-after legumes at this time. Common dark roasting of the beans can have great results; however, they can really be brought to life at a lighter roast.
Why Is Colombian Coffee So Popular?
What makes Colombian coffee so sought after by so many different brands? What makes Colombian coffee distinct from other types of coffee?
History of Colombian Coffee
Colombia first sampled coffee in the 1700s and it was first collected from the northeast region of the nation. It wasn’t very long until numerous farms owned by families were planting it for financial gain.
In the early 1800s, the first round of coffee exports for commercial trade was comprised of only 100 sacks of unroasted coffee beans which weighed 132 pounds each.
That marked the start of coffee becoming the big marketing phenomenon it is today.
When it comes to coffee advertising currently, Juan Valdez is the most famous, a made-up individual who is symbolic of the Colombian coffee grower. He first began to show up in commercials in 1958 for the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia, otherwise referred to as the FNC.
The FNC is still working to enhance the quality of life and the future of numerous Colombian coffee farms and their families through their coffee by creating a positive social impact.
Colombia ranks third in global coffee production, following Brazil and Vietnam, and is the leading producer of Arabica beans.
The Flavor of Colombian Coffee
When it comes to nations known for producing coffee, Colombia is usually the first that come to people’s minds. Colombian coffee beans have a gentle, harmonious taste even when roasted dark. You won’t get a bitter taste if carefully roasted. Rather than a mild flavor, this offers a dynamic and vivid taste with hints of citrus, spices, caramel and dark chocolate in it.
Those who appreciate a strong kick in their coffee will likely find the acidity of this blend to be of medium to high intensity. The region in which the beans are cultivated has an influence on the taste and smell of the coffee, and we will discuss this further later.
100% Arabica Beans
All Colombian coffee is 100% Arabica. Arabica is highly desired and more beloved than its relative, the Robusta coffee bean.
Robusta coffee is famously known for having a bitter taste and a flavor that is similar to that of oatmeal, ranging from subtle to overwhelming due to its higher caffeine content. Businesses utilize Robusta for quick coffee, espresso and to pad out other coffee mixtures.
In contrast, Arabica coffee is favored by coffee connoisseurs across the globe, and its full-bodied taste is particularly valued, ranging from chocolate-like to jasmine-like notes.
Colombian Coffee Growing Regions
Very few are aware that the coffee plant is a finicky one. This plant thrives on volcanic dirt, flourishes in elevated regions, requires more than 80 inches of rain per annum, and its ideal temperature range is between 46-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
The ideal locale for cultivating and gathering coffee is Colombia’s rainforests due to the fact that the coffee plant prefers being in the shade.
This is why Colombia is the perfect environment for farming coffee beans; there are approximately 940,000 hectares of land dedicated to this crop. That’s over two million acres.
In Colombia, over 22 separate areas are ideal for the growth of coffee plants. These areas are separated into four divisions that each generate a flavor of coffee bean with a distinct taste. There is a misconception that each individual source of coffee has its own particular flavor that is only connected to the area it comes from, but that is not necessarily true!
Northern Colombia
Colombian coffee beans that are grown in the north are not as tart as those grown in other areas, and they have a robust flavor. You will definitely detect stronger flavors of nuts and chocolate when compared to other Colombian coffees.
The nutty flavor is a result of the environmental conditions it was grown in. Rainfall in Northern Colombia is predominant during the months of December to March, while the only time of the year in which it is dry is from April to November. The plentiful rain during different times of the year encourages coffee plants to thrive and bloom through the times of draught.
The beans typically become ripe for collection during the initial half of November.
Southern Colombia
The altitude of the region located in the south of Colombia is greater than in other regions, and it is situated near the equator. The place where it is located results in a type of coffee bean with a caramelly and fruity flavor and scent.
The climate is similar to what is found in the nation’s northern area, having a rainy period followed by a dry season. However, harvest time is different in the south. The springtime is when the coffee beans are harvested rather than in the autumn. The different times of year when the coffee is harvested guarantees that Colombian coffee can be purchased all throughout the year.
Three main areas grow coffee in the south. Nariño, Huila, and Cauca. The areas located in Colombia which combine to form the “New Colombian Coffee Triangle” are well known.
Eastern Colombia
The area of expansion is shrinking in the east of the country, yet this is beginning to shift. High importance has been given to the cultivation of coffee beans since the FARC revolutionary participants reconciled in 2016. The ex-members are now undergoing instruction to become baristas and coffee bean growers.
The climate in the east is comparable to the climatic conditions that exist in the northern region of the nation. The amount of rain and moisture in the air is greater, particularly in the areas of Arauca, Casanare, Caquetá, and Meta. These are the sole four locations in the east that are currently cultivating coffee beans.
The Colombian government is aiding landowners in selecting resilient, environmentally sound plants to increase coffee bean production, and to inspire new farmers to embark in the cultivation of the crop. Moreover, they are boosting the enlargement of farms.
Central Colombia
The probability that your mug of Colombian coffee came from the central area of the nation is high. The region is renowned for its outstanding coffee beans, and it is where the Colombian Belt can be found. Central Colombia’s coffee beans contain a high amount of acidity, and they give off a scent that is fruity and herbaceous.
Coffee beans that originate from the Colombian Belt generally come from five distinctive areas. These three Colombian departments – Caldas, Quindío, and Risaralda – are well-known for their abundant supply of beans. Two other departments found in the middle of the nation are Tolima and Antioquia. Farmers who produce coffee beans can cultivate a larger crop due to the two rainy seasons that take place every year.
Best Colombian Coffee Beans
The region of Central Colombia is considered the origin of the “golden triangle” in relation to coffee beans. There’s a shorthand used to refer to the finest Colombian coffee beans around. Marketed as MAM, it includes Manizales, Armenia, and Medellin.
These locations are renowned for producing three of the most well-known types of Colombian coffee beans. At Black Ink, we continuously switch out the type of coffee we serve based on what is currently the freshest option available. You can expect to encounter coffee from certain regions at our roastery.
Castillo Coffee Beans
These beans are widely known, but they are also accompanied by debate. Some coffee experts are uncertain of the quality of the hybrid beans. The beans are genetically similar to Robusta beans. You get a smooth and robust cup of coffee.
The hybrid beans are bred to withstand rust disease. If not managed properly, coffee rust can destroy an entire harvest. Castillo beans display immunity to sickness, and have the capability of becoming a large-output, one-source legume. Every cup of Castillo coffee beans produces a consistent taste and smell.
Caturra Coffee Beans
Although susceptible to coffee rust, these beans remain popular around the world. Caturra coffee beans have a sharp taste with a body that is not overly strong. This coffee has an incredibly smooth flavor, which makes it ideal for those who prefer a milder taste.
Caturra beans were initially grown in Brazil but are now widely connected with Colombian coffee.
Tinto Coffee Beans
The phrase “Tinto” is equivalent to saying “inky water” in English, which is an appropriate description for coffee beans. It is presented as a standard coffee for the general public and can be seen at pretty much any intersection in Colombia.
The reason why a cup of coffee can be bought for a mere ten cents on a Colombian street corner is because it is made with a lower-quality coffee bean. Although their excellence is not extraordinary, Tinto coffee beans have a critical place in Colombia’s coffee culture and background.
The Most Popular Colombian Coffee Brands
The likes you have will influence what you desire in a cup of coffee. Below are some of the finest Colombian coffee brands available.
Juan Valdez café
If you’re searching for a way to make your house smell like freshly brewed coffee in the morning, this can be a successful solution. Juan Valdez Organic Medium Roast Coffee has a powerful, natural scent that evokes a stroll through a rainforest, with light and vibrant aromas.
Juan Valdez is renowned for the mildness and uniformity of its coffee, which is composed of 100% Arabica beans. The organic mixture is an ideal morning beverage as it revitalizes you and gives you an added pep to your step when you leave your home.
Juan Valdez Organic Coffee is committed to respecting the global environment through its harvesting methods of hand-picking. This coffee has been identified as organic by the United States Department of Agriculture, the Japanese Agricultural Organic Standards, and the European Union organic label. This coffee is also sustainable.
The beans are delicately rinsed and then air-dried in the sunlight, mimicking the traditional way that coffee farmers have tended to their crop since its inception.
Juan Valdez is an iconic Colombian coffee brand that has been providing top-notch brewed coffee for more than six decades. They are the only acknowledged brand of coffee that is owned by the coffee producers. Whole Bean Coffee and ground coffee are also available.
Flavor Notes:
- Fresh
- Mid-acidity
- Balanced
Certifications:
- USDA organic certified
- JAS – Japanese Agricultural Organic Standards certified
- EU organic certified
Volcanica Coffee – Colombian Supremo Coffee Beans
Have you ever pondered the flavor of coffee that was grown in the Colombian Andes range with volcanic soil? Well, then look no further. You will get the answer you are looking for by drinking the high-quality Colombian Coffee Supremo from Volcanic Coffee.
This coffee originates from one estate, the Colombian Andeano Estate, and it is not made anywhere else. The Andes are the location in which these plants are cultivated, and the altitude ranges from 5,400 up to 5,900 feet in the Bucaramanga region. This coffee is also kosher and fair trade certified. This has been cultivated in a shaded area in order to be beneficial to the planet and to offer a mild and delightful taste that will tantalize your taste buds.
The Volcanic Supremo Coffee has undergone a washing process that makes it milder in taste. This is followed by its patio drying to produce a cup of medium roast coffee that is just right. Raking two to three centimeters of washed beans on a patio and exposing them to direct sunlight is the most effective way to dry them.
Colombian Supremo coffee beans should have a hue akin to cinnamon and be lighter than the other Arabica varieties. Its scent should be invigorating and pleasing. These varieties from Colombia generally have larger sizes than the other kinds.
This coffee has a slight sourness to it, but with a hint of chocolatey flavor. This drink has a luscious combination of caramel, orange, and nutty hints, resulting in an amazing flavor.
Flavor Notes:
- Bittersweet
- Chocolate
- Caramel
- Orange
Growing Conditions:
- Only produced in the Colombian Andes Mountains
- Single-origin
- Grown in volcanic ash
Final Thoughts
It is worth sampling Colombian coffee due to its deeply rooted tradition, outstanding acclaim, and commitment to environmental responsibility. Coffee growers possess the necessary expertise and preparation in regards to growing coffee. They have a long history of honing in on the cultivation of ideal coffee beans over a time period of hundreds of years.
It can be difficult to figure out the distinctions between kinds of Colombian coffee, but through experimenting a bit, you can discover one that you really like. Just follow your nose and taste buds.
We trust that you have been able to pick out a preferred coffee from this collection and that you will sustain to uncover different ways of enjoying your go-to breakfast drink. No matter what type of coffee is your favorite and where it originates from, be aware that the next one you have was made with attention and thought. Enjoy your next sip to the fullest.