Why is colombian coffee the best

Colombia has just about the perfect geography for growing coffee, a sensitive crop which needs exactly the right conditions to thrive. The richness of flavour for which Colombian coffee is celebrated is mainly down to an excellent climate, perfect soil and the exact right amount of rainfall.

Coffee thrives in places with at least centimetres 80 inches of rainfall per year, as well as in locations where the temperature never falls below freezing. This factor cannot be underestimated when it comes to producing top-notch coffee. The best coffee is grown on steep slopes, surrounded ideally by trees and banana plants — which provide much-needed shade and prevent the beans being scorched in the hot sun — and every bean is picked by hand. Yes, you read that right: each one of the nearly , coffee producers in Colombia picks every bit of their harvest by hand.

This hand-picking process is not to be underestimated. A machine cannot tell the difference between green beans, unripe beans, overripe beans and the ideal coffee cherry. But a human being can, and the hard work and blistered fingers of tens of thousands of coffee pickers is testament to the hard nature of their work; however, it pays off for the coffee-lover, with the selection process meaning that only the very best coffee beans make it to your cup although the bad beans still get processed and, sadly, end up in the cups of most Colombians, with the top-quality stuff destined for foreign mugs.

There are two different types of coffee bean: arabica and robusta as well as new varieties produced within those two species. But what does this have to do with the quality of Colombian coffee? Arabica is widely considered to be the superior bean, and it is blessed with a sweeter and lighter taste, as well as less caffeine — about half the amount — and stronger acidic notes.

However, if you are looking to enjoy a cup of the finest coffee in the world, look no further than Colombia for your beans. Where to stay with a group in Cartagena. Tips to stay healthy and fit while traveling. The best places to visit in Colombia. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Colombia , travel. Table of Contents. Post Tags: Cartagena colombia colombia travel colombian coffee highest quality coffee in the world medellin reasons why colombian coffee is better quality why colombian coffee is the best.

However, this can lead to a more premium product as coffee farmers can ensure that only the ripest of fruits are harvested. As a result, the combination of these factors makes Colombia prime for coffee production. Due to the geography of the coffee-growing regions in Colombia, the industry is comprised of many small-scale farms harvesting arabica coffee.

Given that an average Colombian coffee farm is only 4. The farmers use this entity to act as a collective to improve negotiating and bargaining power. Today, this committee protects farmers by setting minimum prices for coffee. And they also protect the current industry and its future by coming up with solutions to the social and environmental issues that farmers face.

The Juan Valdez campaign was a huge hit, especially in the U. If Juan Valdez were a real individual, he would be immensely proud! Since the campaign, Colombian beans have become established for their complex flavors around the world. Here is a list of 6 of the best single origin Colombian coffees in the market today:. As the name suggests, Volcanica Coffee grows its beans organically in volcanic areas.

Naturally, the rich soil and shade are conducive to producing the best coffee. As you can imagine, the mountain ranges of Colombia fit the bill perfectly. A peaberry coffee bean tends to have a brighter acidity, lighter body, and more distinctive aroma. And it needs to be separated and roasted differently from its flat bean counterparts. This medium roast coffee is fair trade, and it has the classic body and acidity of peaberry coffee.

With decadent notes of chocolate, cherry, walnut, and malt. It makes for a very light and delicious cup of Colombian coffee that fits perfectly with the Juan Valdez campaign we outlined earlier. Like our earlier pick, this is fair trade certified, but the Rainforest Alliance also approves it. Coffee beans are often sorted by size to ensure an even roast and balanced flavor. In Colombia, the biggest beans are graded as Supremo coffee.

The result is a mild bodied coffee with floral and fruity notes and a nutty finish. The Organic Colombian Sierra Nevada is one of the more popular Colombian coffees, and with good reason. The addition of milk gives this brew a mouthwateringly velvety texture and adds balance to this medium dark roast. Light roasts are known to preserve the unique characteristics of coffee beans. This Colombian coffee is of the Castillo variety, known for being aromatic with a citrusy acidity.

Not only does this coffee have bright, fruity flavors of apricot, mango, and raspberries. It also has the sweetness of brown sugar and a hint of spice. Related read: The best light roasts. Don Pablo is a coffee brand that harvests strictly high altitude and shade-grown specialty coffee on a fair trade basis. These beans are sweet and mild with a chocolate finish. Perfect for French Press brewing or espresso for a full bodied flavor. We mentioned that the medium roasted version of these beans is rich, creamy, and chocolatey, with hints of almonds and citrus.

Fresh Roasted suggests that you try this out as a medium-dark roast.