Characteristics of South American Coffee Beans: Colombian Coffee's Rich Aroma, Balanced Acidity, and Perfect Balance Between Bitterness and Sourness

Professional coffee knowledge exchange, more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat public account: cafe_style)

FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Colombian Coffee

When it comes to Colombia, people's impressions probably include coffee, gold, emeralds, and "One Hundred Years of Solitude." For homebodies like Master Zhao, this is also a country abundant in Miss Universe winners. Colombia is a truly magical country, and Medellín is its most iconic region. This is a traditional coffee-producing area in Colombia, and since 1930, it has become the largest coffee market in the country.

The coffee from this region offers rich flavors, moderate acidity, and intense aroma. Drinking it feels warm and gentle, like the beginning of a memory, taking you to witness the legends of this area. Climate is the primary reason why Colombian coffee is among the world's best. Colombia is very close to the equator, allowing it to maintain consistent temperatures year-round. The three branches of the Andes Mountains run through Colombia's territory, providing many suitable locations for coffee cultivation. You'll also notice that in Colombia, coffee farms are located on the steep slopes of mountains. Different altitudes and temperatures produce crops best suited to those conditions.

The ideal temperature range for coffee cultivation is from approximately 1,200 to 2,200 meters above sea level. The temperature is neither too high nor does it cause frost (a sign unfavorable for coffee cultivation). Coffee also needs some dry periods and rainy seasons. In Colombia, the dry periods of January and February are sufficient for coffee plants to flower and ensure a bountiful harvest. The city known as the "City of Eternal Spring" is Manizales, where year-round mild humidity provides ideal conditions for coffee cultivation.

The most interesting reason for the excellence of Colombian coffee is hand-picking. The reason is that coffee farms located on steep mountain slopes make it impossible for machines to navigate and harvest. The disadvantage of machines is that they strip entire coffee branches, regardless of whether the cherries are green or red, mature or immature - lower quality beans are all harvested. Colombian coffee pickers harvest coffee beans by hand, which means they can carefully select only the highest quality coffee cherries. This is one of the main reasons why Colombian coffee commands high prices in the international market, rather than being used primarily for coffee blends and non-branded coffee like Robusta.

Government organizations have been supporting coffee growers since 1938. They assist in providing loans and have developed coffee plants with non-GMO bacterial resistance. In the 1980s, a coffee leaf rust fungus threatened the entire coffee production in Colombia, but the FNC developed a coffee plant resistant to coffee leaf rust, averting disaster. They also ensure that coffee beans exported to other countries or regions are sampled and quality tested. This is why Colombian coffee receives a 4% premium when traded as a commodity in the international market. Its quality is guaranteed.

Knowledge Point:

Guatemalan coffee beans, produced in Guatemala, belong to the Bourbon variety of coffee beans and are one of the varieties with stronger acidity.

In Summary:

FrontStreet Coffee is a research-focused coffee establishment dedicated to sharing coffee knowledge with everyone. We share without reservation, hoping to help more friends fall in love with coffee. Additionally, we hold three low-discount coffee events every month because FrontStreet Coffee wants to allow more friends to enjoy the best coffee at the lowest prices. This has been FrontStreet Coffee's mission for the past six years!

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473