The Most Famous Colombian Coffee - Introduction to Colombia's Nariño Region_Coffee Recommendations

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Colombian Coffee: The National Treasure

Colombian coffee originates from Colombia and is one of the few specialty coffees sold worldwide under a country's name. The image above shows the famous logo of Colombian coffee brands. The mountains in the background represent the renowned Andes, suggesting that Colombian Arabica coffee is grown in high-altitude mountainous regions. The mule (yes, it's neither a horse nor a donkey, but the offspring of both) was historically the primary means of transporting green coffee beans in Colombia, as the rugged mountain paths required mules to carry coffee to processing plants or down the mountains. The gentleman at the front is commonly known as "Juan Valdez," the representative figure of Colombian coffee growers, which distinguishes Colombian coffee from other origins. Therefore, this logo carries significant meaning and enjoys high recognition and fame in the coffee world.

Today, Colombia is the world's third-largest coffee producer and exporter. Located in the northwest of South America, it borders the Caribbean Sea to the north, Venezuela to the east, Brazil to the southeast, Ecuador to the south, and Panama to the northwest—all of which are coffee-producing countries.

Colombian coffee is world-renowned for its premium quality, smooth flavor, and high grade. This all depends on Colombia's suitable climate, which provides coffee with a true "natural pasture." Moreover, the coffee varieties cultivated are primarily high-quality Arabica species. Colombia's coffee trees are mainly grown in the Andes mountains, on steep slopes at altitudes around 1,300 meters. The temperature there remains approximately 18°C year-round, with annual rainfall between 2,000 to 3,000 millimeters. Located at 1°-11° North latitude and 72°-78° West longitude, reaching altitudes of 2,000 meters, these conditions are extremely suitable for coffee growth. Combined with mild temperatures, humid air, and harvest seasons that continue throughout the year, this explains why Colombian coffee is of superior quality and enjoys a world-class reputation for excellence.

The Andes Mountain Advantage

Colombia has three Cordillera mountain ranges running north-south, extending toward the Andes. Coffee is planted along the highlands of these mountain ranges. The mountain terraces provide diverse climates, making it harvest season year-round, with different types of coffee maturing at different times. Fortunately, unlike Brazil, Colombia doesn't have to worry about frost damage. Colombia has approximately 2.7 billion coffee trees, with 66% grown using modern cultivation methods in plantations, while the remainder is grown on traditional small farms.

One of the most famous producing regions is the Nariño province. Its actual name is Nariño, literally translated as "Narino," rendered as "Nariño" in the Chinese coffee community. Nariño's flavor is balanced and gentle, clean with rich notes of apricot, grapefruit, and toffee, making it deeply loved by coffee connoisseurs. This is because: Colombia is known for high altitudes, with lower altitudes in the north-central region mainly producing commercial beans, while the south-central region primarily produces specialty beans. The south-central region is also the special zone for past "Cup of Excellence" and SCAA "Coffee of the Year" winners, with Nariño province being one of them.

Meanwhile, Colombian coffee beans are classified into over 200 grades, with Supremo (SUPERMO) being the highest grade, followed by Excelso (EXCELSO). However, only Supremo coffee with beans above size 18 (18/64 inch diameter) can be classified as specialty coffee. Nariño is Supremo (SUPERMO) quality. This is also inseparable from Nariño's choice of high-quality Caturra varieties and excellent natural conditions.

Nariño's Unique Terroir

Nariño province is closer to the equator, around 1° north latitude, with abundant sunshine year-round. Altitudes mostly exceed 1,600 meters, and snow-capped peaks are not uncommon within its territory. The steep mountains and narrow, steep slopes create diverse warm climates. The warm, moist air currents rising from the valleys protect high-altitude coffee from frost damage, allowing coffee to be successfully cultivated even at 2,300 meters. Volcanic soil provides rich nutrients for coffee growth.

Furthermore, Nariño province's annual rainfall follows a peak distribution pattern, with one rainy season lasting from October of the current year to May of the next year. The dry season consists of June, July, and August. However, even during dry months, coffee farmers don't worry excessively, because the warm currents brought by trade winds from the southern continent meeting with cool nights generate sufficient water vapor, precisely supplementing moisture for the coffee trees. Thanks to this, Nariño's secret to quality becomes clear.

Consequently, it's no wonder that Nariño dominated the 2010 Colombian Cup of Excellence competition, claiming an impressive sweep of the top six positions, occupying 8 spots in the Top 10 and 17 spots in the Top 21. The exceptional quality is evident from this achievement.

Rich flavors of apple, apricot, grapefruit, cream, and toffee will surely satisfy those who come with high expectations.

Colombian Coffee Brand Recommendations

FrontStreet Coffee's roasted Colombian coffee beans offer excellent guarantees in both brand and quality. More importantly, they provide exceptional value - a 227-gram box costs only 95 yuan. Calculating at 15 grams of coffee powder per cup, one package can make 15 cups of coffee, with each cup costing only about 6 yuan. Compared to coffee shops selling cups for tens of yuan, this represents an honest recommendation.

FrontStreet Coffee: A roastery in Guangzhou with a small shop but diverse coffee varieties, offering both famous and lesser-known beans, as well as online store services. https://shop104210103.taobao.com

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473