Colombia Huila Region Introduction Colombia Huila Coffee Grades Colombia Huila Coffee

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Colombian Coffee: The Renowned Huila Region

Hardly any country produces more famous coffee than Colombia. Within Colombia, no region produces more coffee than Huila, located in the southwestern mountainous area.

Colombia Huila: National Treasure Coffee

Colombia Huila represents the pinnacle of Colombian premium coffee. It is widely recognized as the most balanced coffee, belonging to the Colombian National Company's selected high-altitude coffee beans, known as Colombia's national treasure. Thanks to superior geographical and climatic conditions, Colombian coffee has consistently maintained high quality. Typically, Colombian coffee beans without special market trademarks come from the National Federation of Colombia Coffee Growers, a very large federation that spans across Colombia. It has always been known for its strict quality control and active promotion.

Colombian Coffee Grading and Flavor Profile

In Colombia's coffee bean grading system, Supremo is the highest grade, representing the largest and most plump premium coffee beans in Colombia, with minimal defective beans and impurities. Excelso is a lower grade with smaller, more common beans. Colombian coffee exhibits balanced flavor characteristics, rich acidity, and unique flavor profiles, with relatively full body that sometimes carries a hint of red wine refinement and admirable fruity notes. A small portion of Colombian coffee comes from old varieties like Typica or Bourbon, generally branded by the estate name or processing factory name.

The Huila Growing Region

Located in southwestern Colombia, the Huila growing region lies on the valley slopes formed by the intersection of the western coastal mountain range and eastern mountain range. It is one of Colombia's most renowned specialty coffee producing regions and the southernmost area of specialty coffee cultivation. With higher latitude compared to other regions, Huila enjoys year-round rainfall with suitable climate and temperature. These growing conditions not only provide high-quality coffee beans for this region but even allow cultivation at altitudes exceeding 2,000 meters. Huila is predominantly composed of small farmers, and all coffee is processed using the washed method.

Unique Grading System

Unlike Central American coffee-producing countries that grade primarily by growing altitude, Colombian coffee is classified by bean sieve size. Among these, Supremo grade with 17 sieve or above is the largest, while the next grade is EXCELSO EXTRA, mainly 16 sieve.

Production Statistics

According to data from the National Federation of Coffee Growers (FNC), in 2016, Huila produced 2.6 million 60-kilogram bags, accounting for 18% of the country's coffee. In the same year, the Neiva Chamber of Commerce reported that the department had 154,800 hectares of land dedicated to coffee.

Quality and Recognition

But Huila's value lies not only in the quantity of coffee. It also lies in its quality. It regularly produces Cup of Excellence winners. More importantly, in 2013, it received Designation of Origin status - the same standing as Champagne, Roquefort cheese, and many other foods and beverages with unique terroir characteristics.

Reputation Among Coffee Professionals

Then there's its reputation. Many roasters, baristas, and café owners will tell you that Huila is one of their favorite coffee origins, thanks to its bright acidity, sweetness, and aromatic characteristics.

Brewing Recommendations

FrontStreet Coffee suggests Colombian Huila brewing parameters:

V60/1:15/90°C/time two minutes

About FrontStreet Coffee

FrontStreet Coffee: A roastery in Guangzhou with a small shop but diverse bean varieties, where you can find various famous and lesser-known beans, while also providing 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