If you truly love coffee, you have likely tried Colombian coffee. Colombian coffee is renowned across the globe for its delicious taste and quality.
Colombia is the world’s 3rd largest producer of coffee. This is attributed to its favoring and unique geography. Globally, Colombian coffee accounts for about 12% of the coffee produced.
Until recently, the people of Colombia were not coffee drinkers. I mean, they used to drink the leftover coffee they exported out. But times are changing, and you can see new coffee shops all over Colombia and appreciate what they have.
Although coffee farmers are struggling to adapt to Colombia’s changing climate, which has, in many ways, hurt a crop that puts food on the table. Coffee is still more than a crop in this country and has significantly contributed to the identity of Colombia.
The government and the federation are working smart and hard to help farmers through these challenging moments. The government’s main initiative has been to improve conditions for farmers, but only time will tell if things will get better. For now, most farmers are not sure what tomorrow will be like.
What makes Colombian coffee so special?
There are many reasons why many people across the globe still prefer Colombian coffee. Below are some reasons why it is so special to most people.
- It can be roasted dark without turning excessively bitter, making this coffee ideal for espresso-based drinks.
- A mild and well-balanced flavor that has medium to high acidity levels.
- Aromas tend towards citrus, fruits, and hints of spice.
- Colombia coffee is made from Arabica coffee beans. Arabica has a lighter ad sweeter taste than Robusta, another famous coffee.
- Floral hints, traces of tropical fruits, red berries or apples, and a sweetness akin to chocolate, sugar cane, or caramel.
Principal factors which determine the quality of coffee
Many factors contribute significantly to the quality of raw coffee. These factors are the primary reasons why you enjoy a cup of coffee. Other factors that contribute during the processing cycle, after harvesting, also contribute to the great taste but not as much as the factors we shall discuss below.
- Geography and climate
It is, without a doubt, Colombia has the perfect geography and climate for growing coffee. These two (geography and climate) contribute to the excellent thriving of quality coffee. Ideal soil plus the right amount of rainfall gives this country an edge in coffee growing. Colombia has two coffee-growing regions. The slopes of the three sections of the Andes mountains traverse the country and the highlands of the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta highlands.
- The growing and harvesting process
Climate and geography favor the growing process, plus other growing techniques, and now an excellent harvesting process results in the final quality product. The handpicking process even makes harvesting more accurate. For example, Colombia does not rely on machines to pick its coffee beans. Instead, every bean is handpicked, eliminating the chances of picking unripe, sun-scorched, and green beans.
After harvesting, the arabica coffee beans are wet-processed. The beauty of wet processing is that it results in cleaners and brighter and fruitier products.
- The type of coffee
Colombia, unlike other regions, is mostly recognized for producing arabica coffee. Remember that Arabica is typically regarded as better since it contains less caffeine, has stronger acidic overtones, and is lighter and sweeter than Robusta. Colombian coffee is the world’s greatest coffee since it is 100% arabica.
The most popular beans in Colombia
Colombia has three types of coffee that every coffee lover would love to try. These three coffees are named according to the regions they grow (collectively grown in the main central area): Medellin, Armenia, and Manizales. The three are marketed under the acronym MAM. It is good to note that coffee from the central regions has a higher acidity level than those grown in the eastern region.
- Castillo coffee
It is one of the most famous coffees in Colombia, bred to resist the perils of coffee rust. It is best known for its smoothness, citric acidity, and aroma. There is evidence that it holds the potential for high-end single-origin beans.
- Caturra beans
First developed in Brazil, Caturra is distinguished by its bright acidity and low-to-medium body. Although considered to be Colombia’s finest, it is always under constant threat of coffee rust.
- Tinto Coffee
This is a variety you will find on the streets in Colombia because of its low prices. However, it is best known for its significant contribution to the nation’s coffee culture. If you are in Colombia, you must try a cup of Tinto to have a real cultural experience of their coffee. Tinto coffee is simply the coffee of the people of Colombia.
The best Colombia coffee beans
As a coffee lover or when planning to gift someone Colombian coffee, it is a good idea to go for quality and finest Colombian coffee beans. Below we have hand-picked for you two of my favorite options.
Colombian Peaberry (Volcanica Coffee)
Colombian Supremo (Volcanica Coffee)
Here’s our best Colombian coffee list.
Conclusion
You don’t have to be in Colombia to enjoy the finest coffee. It is even possible for the nearest coffee shop near you to sell or serve the best Colombian coffee. Have you tried Colombian coffee? Would you be happy to try it? Go ahead, taste it, and remember to share your experience.
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Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.
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