Introduction to the Characteristics of Colombian Narino Highlands and Coffee Grading System

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FrontStreet Coffee - Colombia Highlands Nariño, Coffee Grading System Sharing

In addition to having natural conditions for producing high-quality coffee, Nariño offers several advantages:

First, low latitude: Located close to the equator at approximately 1 degree north latitude, ensuring abundant sunlight throughout the year.

Second, high altitude: The Andes Mountains begin in Chile and Argentina, enter Colombia through the Nariño province, and divide into three mountain ranges. Most coffee grows at altitudes between 1,500 and 2,100 meters.

Third, fertile soil: The Galeras volcano has created fertile soil for the Nariño region, providing rich nutrients for coffee growth.

Fourth, abundant rainfall: Nariño's annual rainfall shows a peak distribution, lasting from October each year to May of the following year. The dry season consists of June, July, and August. However, even during the dry season, Nariño's coffee agriculture does not need excessive worry. Because the trade winds from the southern continent bring warm currents that meet the cool nights at high altitudes, producing water vapor that can supplement moisture for coffee trees.

Due to the Andes Mountains forming canyons of varying sizes, these canyons provide very favorable microclimates for the growth of high-quality coffee. Steep mountains and narrow, steep slopes bring temperature diversity. Warm, moist air currents rising from the canyons gather in the lowlands during the day and climb the slopes at night, protecting high-altitude coffee from frost threats. Therefore, in Nariño, even highlands at 2,300 meters can successfully grow coffee, and the quality of the coffee produced is extremely high.

Grading System

Colombia's grading is relatively simple, divided by bean size into Supremo (Special Selection) and Excelso (Premium Selection). For Supremo grade, 80% of green beans must pass through a #17 sieve or larger. For Excelso grade, 80% of green beans must pass through a #14/16 sieve or larger, with a maximum allowance of about 11% of #14 sieve beans mixed in with the #16 sieve beans. The sieves mentioned above are for flat beans; round beans (Pea Berry) have their own set of sieve size standards. Generally, #8-12 sieves are used to grade round beans.

Colombia Highlands Nariño

Altitude: 1,600-1,800m

Varieties: Caturra, Catuai

Processing: Washed

Flavor: Citrus, nuts, blackcurrant, ripe cherry, cocoa.

Knowledge Bonus: Generally, countries close to the equator grow coffee at relatively high altitudes, so they don't grade by altitude level.

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