Brazil is the largest producer of coffee in the world, and that’s not just because they have the most people. They produce more than one-third of the global supply of coffee! If that doesn’t convince you, maybe this will: 97% of Brazilians drink at least one cup of coffee daily. But what exactly is Brazilian coffee? And how does it differ from other types of coffee? Let’s find out.
Table Of Contents
−- Facts about Brazilian coffee
- Brazil is the largest coffee-growing nation in the world
- Coffee growing conditions
- Flavor characteristics and tasting notes
- The current state of Brazil’s coffee industry
- The best brew methods for Brazilian coffee
- The Best Coffee Beans from Brazil
- The most suitable roast type for Brazilian beans
- Conclusion
Facts about Brazilian coffee
Brazil is the 5th largest country in the world (8.51 million square kilometers. It is also the 5th populated country with 207 million people.
- Brazil enjoys a tropical climate that is ideal for coffee growing.
- One-third of the world’s coffee comes from Brazil.
- There are over 220,000 coffee farms in Brazil
- Brazil produces Arabica and Robusta coffee
- Most of the world’s espresso beans come from Brazil.
- Coffee harvesting Season starts in May and ends in September
- Coffee growing is affected by frost
Brazil is the largest coffee-growing nation in the world
Brazil has been producing the most coffee for 150 years. In 2016, Brazil produced 2,595,000 metric tons of coffee. Vietnam was second with 1,650,000 metric tons. Ethiopia was fifth with 384,000 metric tons.
Brazil and Ethiopia are the only producer countries with significant consumption of coffee. Brazil is the 14th largest consumer of coffee.
Slavery {Might Exist} in coffee plantations
Coffee was brought to Brazil in the mid-1700 by French settlers. Over the years, its export grew and overtook sugarcane as the leading export. By 1840, Brazil was the leading coffee exporter, and plantation owners were reaping huge profits.
Slavery was abolished in 1888. Some farms, however, have slavery-like conditions for workers. Some farms treat migrant workers like enslaved people exploiting them.
Large farms use advanced technologies in their cultivation, while small farms are run by family labor. The medium-sized farms are where slavery conditions exist. Laborers are exploited through long working hours, poor shelter, and debt bondage.
Coffee growing conditions
The main coffee-growing regions are nested along the Atlantic Coast in the southern part of Brazil. The area receives moderate sunlight and rains. Temperatures are steady throughout the year, conducive for Robusta and Arabica coffee to thrive.
The high altitude between 400 and 1600 meters above sea level is also pleasant for growing coffee. But, on the other hand, the low altitude is perfect for more and faster growth.
Brazil’s main coffee-growing areas are Mogiana, Sul Minas, and Cerrado.
The country has invested in coffee processing technology over the years. Most coffee is processed naturally. Pulped natural processing combines the best characteristics of wet and dry methods. The process is effective because of the low humidity conditions in Brazil.
Flavor characteristics and tasting notes
- Coffee from Brazil has low acidity, is smooth, and with bittersweet flavors.
- Flavors are primarily nutty and chocolatey but may range from milk chocolate to bitter cocoa or toasted almond.
Some high-quality beans grown in high elevations have a brighter fruit taste. You can check the authentic, high-quality coffee beans here.
Honorable mentions
The following regions produce some of the best coffee beans: These are some of the award-winning coffee regions and estates.
Brazil Santos: It represents one of the best coffee from Brazil. It gets its name from the port where the coffee is exported. For great tastes, ensure you buy from the best roasters.
Carmo de Minas is located in the southern part of Gerais state, with fertile soil and high elevations. It produces delicious coffee beans. Coffee is a bit acidic, has some soft fruit taste, and has a sweet chocolatey body.
Estate Coffee comes from specific high-quality farms in Brazil.
The current state of Brazil’s coffee industry
Brazil is one of the developed nations in coffee production. Farmers have adapted to changes in technology and farming methods. New technologies have ensured increased production, better pay, and ample opportunities for farmers.
- 70-80% of the coffee produced in Brazil is Arabica, and the rest is Robusta.
- Unprocessed coffee is exported duty-free to Japan, the UK, and the US.
- The coffee industry spreads across 13 states in Brazil
- Brazilian coffee is commonly used in making blends
- Soybean is the leading export and not coffee
Most coffee in Brazil is produced in low elevations, which makes it not very good. Brazilian coffee is therefore used for blends. The coffee is full-bodied, sweet, and has low acidity. It is blended with a light body and brighter flavor notes to achieve a perfect espresso.
Brazil is the largest exporter of instant coffee. Between 10-20% of coffee exported from Brazil is instant coffee. However, it is mostly made up of lower-quality coffees.
Brazil Fun Fact: coffee export dependency in Brazil has reduced drastically from 60 %( in 1960) to 2.5% (in 2006). Despite the decline, Brazil is the biggest player in the coffee industry in the world.
The best brew methods for Brazilian coffee
There are multiple ways to brew Brazilian coffee. Here are the best 4 methods
- French Press
- Espresso
- Cold-brew
- Cafezinho
French Press:
Known for brewing full and heavy body coffee. The ground sits in the brewer for up to 5 minutes.
The method is perfect for coffee with lower acidity and sweet chocolate notes.
Espresso
Almost every traditional espresso has a Brazilian bend in it. This is because the beans are made for espresso, where the sweet, chocolatey character is produced.
Cold Brew
Brazilian coffee is perfect for cold brew since it is smooth, sweet, and refreshing.
The Best Coffee Beans from Brazil
Check out the following roasters of the best Brazilian Beans
Brazilian Peaberry Coffee(Volcanica)
Try the Brazil peaberry for a sweet, full-bodied, low acidity coffee. The fresh roast is prepared once you order.
You can buy from amazon, but it is best to order directly from Volcanica. You get the fresh roast delivered within 1-2 days.
Low Acid Blend(Volcanica)
It is the perfect choice for a blend. It has a strong Brazilian base, complemented with high and low acidity beans like the Sumatra region, known for producing low acidity coffee beans.
Beans are medium roasted upon placing your order, so you get the freshest taste. Your cup of coffee will be tasty and easy on your stomach.
Peet’s Coffee Single Origin Brazil
Dark Brazilian Santos Coffee Bean Direct Store
Pilao Coffee Traditional Roast and Ground
Want to drink like the locals? Go to any state and city of Brazil markets, and you’ll find this brand. Most locals will use a pour-over with this brand in their kitchen.
Brazil Primavera(Ferris Coffee)
Ferris Coffee has been roasting coffee for almost a century. They have maintained a good reputation for producing the best coffee in the world.
Brazil Primavera is naturally processed and very tasty.
The most suitable roast type for Brazilian beans
Coffee beans are versatile, and you can make them any way you like.
- Lighter roasts: are smooth, low acid, chocolatey, and nutty cups of coffee.
- Medium roasts: it is the best roast. Balanced flavors and low acidity
- Darker roasts: full body and have a toasted nut character.
Brazilian coffee beans are lighter, which makes roasting a bit tricky. You should apply low heat for longer to avoid scorching the beans.
Conclusion
Brazilian coffee is very popular and sold almost everywhere in the US.
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Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.
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