“Peruvian coffee? I didn’t even know there was such a thing!”
You’re not alone.
No doubt you have encountered Colombian coffee before in one way or another, be it by tasting its delectable and smooth flavor or being exposed to the advertising of Juan Valdez, who, for quite a few years now, has been selling Colombia’s coffee in the US.
One could be aware of Brazilian coffee, which has a mild, sometimes-tangy taste that gives off a chocolate and roasted nut flavor.
Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Honduras. Many Central American countries produce coffee that has gained some popularity in the United States. But Peru?
Absolutely. Americans who appreciate coffee probably haven’t heard of Peruvian coffee; however, they should give it a try. Peruvian coffee is so good that it rivals that of any other country in Latin America or South America.
It’s time to learn more about this delicious brew.
The Long History of Peruvian Coffee
It is reasonable to assume that Peruvian farmers will be successful in cultivating coffee plants. It is situated just south of Colombia, which is renowned globally for its production of coffee.
It was unexpected that the coffee plant was imported to Peru prior to being brought to Colombia. By the 1700s, Peruvian farmers were already cultivating coffee; however, it wasn’t until 1809 that coffee production was established on a commercial basis in Colombia. The bulk of Peru’s output was consumed domestically.
The situation changed for an odd reason: coffee rust. An ironic fact is that coffee rust, an incurable fungus, has a history of wrecking crop harvests. This happened to the most notable coffee plantations in Sri Lanka and Java in the late 1800s. European coffee buyers were in a rush to look for different sources, and Peru appeared to be a probable choice.
Peru’s coffee industry was growing anyway. Europe played a significant role in increasing the productivity of the country’s coffee industry, with Britain owning the majority of its plantations. Prior to WWI, coffee comprised 60% of Peru’s overall exports and it ignited the nation’s economic growth.
As a result of the two World Wars, England withdrew its presence in Peru. This resulted in farmers taking control of the land, which enabled them to make money; however, it also meant they had lost their prior ties with overseas customers purchasing coffee. This caused a major decrease in the development of Peru’s coffee sector. It was hard for the nation to become a powerhouse on the global stage due to factors such as insufficient modern infrastructure, the devaluation of its markets, and intermittent guerrilla warfare.
By the early 2000s, Peru’s coffee sector was thriving once again – however, their crops were impacted by coffee rust in 2013, the same fungus that had caused them to enter the business more than a hundred years prior. The industry experienced a decrease in production and exports and it took a few years for it to bounce back.
Despite the challenges from coffee rust, there was a positive result; the Typica variety, one of the original and most vital species of Arabica coffee beans, had long been the main type of coffee planted in Peru. Currently, Typica is still grown in Peru, but increasingly other kinds of Arabica such as Catimor are being planted instead due to them being more robust. This implies that the risk of coffee rust epidemics in the future is reduced.
Presently, Peru is 11th among nations that export coffee, but the most prolific producer of coffee in South America (second only to Colombia). The nation ranks fifth in the world when it comes to exporting Arabica coffee, and its coffee beans are the second most important agricultural export.
It may appear as if all Peruvian coffee has the same flavor, yet that is not the case.
Today’s Peruvian Coffee
Coffee farmers in Peru are still confronted with various major challenges that must be overcome for them to be prosperous.
The infrastructure of the nation does not come close to that of other Latin American coffee-producing nations; roads are especially problematic for transferring the crop.
The weather in Peru is unreliable; abrupt unexpected rains can hasten the blooming period of coffee plants and thwart their regular progress, which can lead to the ruined coffee cherries (containing the beans) falling off the plant.
In certain locations, regional organizations such as Cenfrocafe can be found, though the great part of coffee farms in Peru are run by single proprietors and only span over three hectares. There is not a powerful, structured coffee industry, which reduces the capacity of growers to bargain productively with purchasers.
Despite the difficulties they face, coffee farmers in Peru remain persistent and provide the global market with premium quality coffees.
Peru is a nation that is located on the Pacific seashore of South America and it can be considered to be relatively small. In reality, it’s not small at all. It is more extensive than France, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom, and it is twice the size of Texas.
It is easier to grasp why Peru can boast ten unique coffee cultivation areas, particularly due to its diverse landscape. Some coffee farmers cultivate their crops on mountaintops, while others are situated at sea level. People handle living in wild, exotic environments, while others inhabit regions filled with mountains. The qualities of the beans produced in different areas can vary greatly.
Northern Peru
The upper area of Peru is situated in close proximity to its boundaries with Ecuador and Colombia. The area located along the coast, in the mountains, and in the tropical jungle offer many different opportunities for coffee farms in the northern region to cultivate distinct varieties of plants and coffee beans.
The coffee beans which many lovers of coffee associate with Peru mostly come from the Cajamarca area, and the provinces of San Ignacio and Jaén are responsible for most of the production within the region. Seven Amazonian provinces within the Amazon rainforest, namely Amazonas and the areas to its north, are responsible for the production of coffee. Certain coffee farms even have the privilege of being situated along the sides of the Andes Mountains. Puira’s coastal area that produces coffee also sends some away, but it’s a much lesser amount.
Central Peru
The middle section of the nation is situated between Brazil and the Pacific Ocean, which is where Lima – the capital – is situated. It’s also home to three of Peru’s coffee-growing regions.
The Junin area of central Peru is renowned for producing the finest coffee. Chanchamayo coffee, which is renowned for its tart and scrumptious tastes, is a favorite among coffee aficionados. Satipo coffee, which comes from the same vicinity, is similarly acclaimed.
Huánuco is located at the foothills of the Andes, and the surrounding area is both a major grower of traditional Arabica beans, as well as a source of excellent specialty coffees. The Pasco area that is close by produces significantly less coffee because of its challenging rainforest climate, yet the coffee beans from that region are still of superior quality.
The Best Peruvian Coffee Beans Reviewed
Every coffee enthusiast with a sense of pride knows the distinction between Brazilian and Colombian coffee and is able to recognize Kona from Yirgacheffe. But not many people are audacious or daring enough to sample Peruvian coffee, which is a pity since it is probably one of the highest quality bean options on the market. The taste is soft and soothing, yet still stimulating enough to get your taste buds thrilled and make you want more. Sound like something you’d want to try? Let me introduce you to some different types of Peruvian coffee that will show you its magnificence.
Volcanica Peru Coffee
A crucial piece of information about Volcanica is that they strive for excellence by obtaining the finest beans produced at elevations of 3,000 feet and higher. And Peru Coffee is a prime example of that. Due to being located at a high altitude, the climate is cooler and the plants have more time to mature, thus creating bold and intense flavors in each cherry and bean. The same delicious taste is present in each sip of the drink.
This medium roast is not too strong, instead it has a mellow flavor and body with hints of nougat, plum, and lemongrass. The taste is vibrant but has a low acid content, meaning you can avoid any stomach trouble. I suggest you not give the beverage milk or cream, as it is delicate enough to be relished on its own. Too much milk can overpower the more subtle flavors in the dish, resulting in a lack of satisfaction.
Ultimately, you can select whatever method of brewing your prefer since Volcanica is willing to accommodate whatever packaging you choose. If you are fortunate enough to possess a burr grinder, making use of whole beans is the recommended option. Nevertheless, if being in possession of a burr grinder isn’t your reality, there are still three options you can go for: drip, espresso, and French press grinds. I would advise that you try a 16 oz bag of Peruvian coffee as your introduction to this type of java. When you become infatuated with the flavor, you will be able to save some money by getting a larger amount, such as 3 to 5 pounds, in bulk.
Cubico Coffee: Peru
Whenever I spot the logo of CENFROCAFE on the package, I am sure I will be able to enjoy a tasty cup of coffee. Peru is home to one of the biggest cooperatives, which insists on unparalleled levels of sustainable and organic farming practices from its growers. Arabica beans grown in the Northern Highlands at a high altitude are carefully picked by hand and wash thoroughly. This bean creates a favoirite among coffee lovers due to its well-balanced mix of mildness, sweetness, citrus-like acidity, and long-lasting herbal taste.
I really enjoy the process of roasting this bean in small batches. The City roast is ideal for the Peruvian Arabica, plus you can get a pack that is branded with a date and authenticated by a specialist roaster. You’re certain to get the most recently roasted beans right to your house in an extremely short time after you have placed an order due to speedy delivery.
I strongly believe that buying whole beans and grinding them in small batches will lead to the most enjoyable smell and taste. Cubico acknowledges that people sometimes lack the time needed to undertake a comprehensive coffee brewing process, so they provide 10-pod packages and bags of complete beans in 1-pound increments. You can savor the taste of the Peruvian blend even if you have a Keurig maker. I’m uncertain if K-cups are able to be recycled, so if you want to lower the amount of trash, you should get in touch with Cubico to find out more information.
RhoadsRoast Coffee
This coffee is extremely delightful! In addition, it’s organic, was made through fair trade, grown in the shade, and hand-picked – these are only some of the many benefits of this product. This beverage has a gentle persona but is still multi-layered. It is pleasurably sweet and has a nutty taste; no extra flavorings were put in. Anticipate the taste of almonds, milk chocolate, and coconut to be distinct in your cup of coffee, regardless of how it was made– via a French press, an espresso machine, or a drip coffee maker.
If you need green coffee beans from Peru, RhoadsRoast has what you’re searching for. Nevertheless, the corporation furnishes toasted coffee as well, for those of us who don’t have the time to roast the beans ourselves. Unlike other roasters, this company enables you to select from three varieties of roast levels: light city, full city, and dark espresso. If you like your coffee with a rich amount of acidity, opt for a light roast, because it will have an intense shift in flavor the more it is roasted. If you prefer warm flavor notes or are wishing to have a cappuccino, then the dark espresso roast is definitely the choice for you.
Though not exactly a household name, RhoadsRoast can bring joy to any coffee enthusiast. An example of a high-quality, single-source bean is Peruvian coffee. I urge you to investigate the most popular selection they offer, or alternatively arrange a subscription where you will receive samplers that provide with a tantalizing view of the exquisite coffee around the world.
Café Altura Peruvian Coffee
You can’t go wrong when you choose the first organic coffee company in America for your coffee needs, and their Peruvian blend surely proves this to be true! The beans do not have fertilizers or pesticides in their cultivation and each cherry is hand-picked and sundried to maintain its flavor and guarantee a top-notch quality. This type of dark-roast Peruvian coffee beans is one of the finest. Roasting to the second crack brings out the toasty and bold flavors that are not present in either a light or medium roast.
Cafe Altura maintains that this singular source of coffee beans is useful both when made hot or iced, and I agree. I like my coffee to be freshly ground and brewed with a French press, because the drip machine doesn’t make it taste as good. Espresso shots pack a flavorful punch and are perfect for an energizing boost or for a mild, creamy cappuccino. I have also tried making coffee from these beans by utilizing the cold-brew technique, and some of their strength does diminish, but this can be resolved by increasing the amount of grounds to water.