Introduction to Ecuador's Loja Coffee Region

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Ecuador's Coffee Growing Region

Located between Colombia and Peru in South America, Ecuador has a long history of coffee cultivation. The Loja region in southern Ecuador, adjacent to the Andes Mountains, is one of the world's highest coffee-growing areas and also an important coffee export city in the country. Coffee is mostly grown using natural shade cultivation methods. The high altitude, climate variations, and soil quality in the region are excellent for coffee growth, providing many superior conditions for coffee cultivation.

Geography and Coffee Production

Ecuador's western border faces the Pacific Ocean, with the eastern coastal region consisting of plains, while the central area has higher elevations. Among these, the 6,310-meter-high Chimborazo Mountain, part of the Andes Mountains, is an extinct volcano. Besides being the country's highest point (6,267 meters above sea level), it's also the farthest point from the Earth's center on the planet's surface.

Ecuador is one of the few South American countries that produces both Arabica and Robusta coffee. The southern Andes Mountains are the world's highest-altitude Arabica coffee-producing region, yielding large, heavy beans. Coffee produced in early June each year is considered among the best-tasting in the world. However, as land suitable for Arabica varieties decreases, Robusta coffee production has been increasing annually. The Loja province in southern Ecuador is the world's highest-altitude coffee-producing region.

Shade-Grown Coffee

Shade-grown coffee maintains the original ecological appearance without damaging the ecosystem. In coffee plantations, coffee is intercropped with different types of trees and crops, creating what looks like a small-scale forest reserve. For Ecuador, located on the equator, ecological conservation is particularly significant because coffee farmers don't need to cut down trees. Coffee trees simply play the role of one species in the entire shade terrace system, preserving more habitats for birds and other wildlife.

Because coffee trees are shaded by other tall tree species, the coffee beans generally develop richer, more aromatic flavors. For consumers, this represents an excellent choice that both protects the ecosystem and allows enjoyment of delicious coffee.

Brewing Recommendations

FrontStreet Coffee suggests brewing parameters:

• Pour-over: V60 dripper, Fuji R440 grinder setting 3.5, water temperature around 90°C
• French press: Grinder setting 4 recommended, water temperature 90°C
• Siphon: Grinder setting 4 recommended, water temperature 90°C-91°C
• AeroPress: Grinder setting 3.5 recommended, water temperature 90°C

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