What are the Flavor Profiles of Colombian Coffee and Where is it Grown?

FrontStreet Coffee - Colombian Coffee Regions and Flavor Profiles

Huila

Located in southwestern Colombia, Huila is one of the main coffee cultivation regions, accounting for 12% of Colombia's total coffee production. Since Huila is dotted with famous coffee cultivation areas, the names of various small regions have become brand names and are circulated in the market. Coffee from the Huila region features strong nutty, chocolate, and caramel flavors. Coupled with suitable acidity, it is considered a premium specialty coffee with the best balance.

Cauca

Located in southwestern Colombia, Cauca accounts for 8% of Colombia's total coffee production. It is a region certified by the Colombian Coffee Origin Denomination, with an average altitude of 1,758 meters and a maximum altitude reaching up to 2,100 meters. Eighty percent of Cauca is mountainous, and its most significant climatic difference from other producing regions is the relatively large temperature variation. The day-night temperature difference is a crucial factor in producing high-quality coffee. Lower nighttime temperatures and relatively higher altitudes slow down the coffee growth rhythm, allowing coffee beans to fully absorb nutrients from the coffee cherries. This also contributes to Cauca coffee's better acidity and its renowned distinctive sweetness.

Following Colombia's excellent tradition, Cauca coffee is hand-picked and wet-processed. Additionally, while many coffee-producing regions have been replacing ancient coffee varieties with new ones to pursue better disease resistance and higher yields, the Cauca region predominantly grows Caturra varieties, along with Typica and Bourbon heirloom varieties.

Narino

Located in the southwesternmost part of Colombia, Narino accounts for 3% of the country's total production. Narino possesses natural conditions for producing high-quality coffee, being close to the equator at approximately 1° north latitude, providing abundant sunlight throughout the year. Most of the region sits at altitudes above 1,600 meters, and snow-capped mountains are not uncommon year-round. Steep mountains and narrow, steep slopes create temperature diversity, while warm, moist air currents rising from the峡谷 protect high-altitude coffee plantations from frost threats, allowing coffee cultivation even at 2,300 meters. Volcanic soil provides rich nutrients for coffee growth.

In Narino, annual rainfall follows a peak distribution pattern with one rainy season lasting from October to May of the following year, while the dry season spans June, July, and August. However, even during the dry months, warm currents from the continental trade winds meeting the cooler nights generate water vapor, supplementing moisture for the coffee trees. In Narino, after the first rainfall in September, the coffee flowering season begins, and starting from April of the following year, the harvest season gradually commences. In higher-altitude regions, the harvest season may extend until August.

Knowledge Bonus

FNC represents over 540,000 coffee farming families in Colombia, meaning that out of every 4 rural residents, one is engaged in coffee-related work.

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