Differences in Colombian Coffee Regions - Strong Caramel Aroma from Cauca Coffee Bean Region

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Located in southwestern Colombia, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Valle del Cauca to the north, Tolima to the northeast, Huila to the east, and Nariño to the south, Cauca is one of Colombia's important regions for specialty coffee production.

Like other coffee-producing regions in southern Colombia, this area experiences its main dry season from July to September each year. The subsequent rainy season brings a concentrated coffee flowering period, followed by a concentrated coffee harvest season the next year. Temperature variations between day and night are crucial to coffee quality. Lower nighttime temperatures, combined with relatively high altitude, slow the maturation rhythm of coffee beans, making them more acidic with very unique sweetness.

As one of Colombia's specialty coffee bean origins, Cauca possesses characteristics that differ from most other origins. Cauca is located in the Andes Mountains of south-central Colombia, with 80% mountainous terrain. Parallel mountain ranges in the eastern and central regions form part of the Andes Mountains. The central range includes two main volcanoes, Sotara and Petacas, while the boundary features the perpetually snow-capped Huila Mountain. Benefiting from volcanic ash, the region's soil provides abundant nutrients for coffee growth.

The region also contains a plain area at approximately 1700m altitude. High-quality specialty coffee is cultivated throughout these mountains and plains. Climate, rainy seasons, and volcanic soil factors show considerable homogeneity. A fixed rainfall cycle (dry season from August-September followed by a plentiful rainy season) provides favorable conditions for coffee tree fruiting. High-intensity sunlight and low rainfall during the flowering season (July-August), combined with departure from the equatorial calm belt, create favorable flowering conditions for coffee trees. These factors also contribute to the concentrated harvest of the first season every other year.

Compared to other coffee-growing areas in Colombia, the daily temperature here shows more variability: average daily minimum temperatures can reach 11°C, with daytime averages of 18°C (nighttime average of 4°C). This sharp diurnal temperature variation aids Cauca coffee growth. Lower nighttime temperatures due to high altitude slow coffee bean maturation, enhancing acidity and imparting special sweetness. All these factors make Cauca one of the finest origins for specialty coffee production in Colombia.

High-quality coffee from the Cauca region exhibits strong caramel aroma, floral notes and sweetness, medium body, purity and mildness, with balanced flavors. Combined with Colombia's typically smooth character, these qualities make coffee from this region highly sought after by numerous buyers.

In Brief

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