Colombian coffee, much more than a simple daily drink, embodies a rich culture and a tradition rooted in the heart of this country. From bean to cup, each sip tells a story of family, effort and passion…
The start of the journey
The Colombian coffee journey begins with carefully nurtured seeds. The growers take great care of the young plants, ensuring an optimal environment for their growth. Once ready, the plants are transplanted to the mountains, where the altitude and climate are ideal for bringing out the coffee’s flavors. The main coffee varieties grown in Colombia are Arabica, Caturra, and Typica, which are renowned for their delicate aromas and flavors.
Flowering and the delicate harvest
Thousands of white flowers then cover the plantations. This is when bees and birds play their crucial role in pollination, contributing to the quality of the beans that will be formed. The coffee is then harvested by hand, where pickers carefully select the red cherries. This meticulous process guarantees the exceptional quality of Colombian coffee and demonstrates our respect for nature and tradition.
From grain to cup
Once the cherries have been harvested, the processing begins. There are two types of processing
- Washed: The cherries are pulped to extract the beans, which are then fermented, washed and sun-dried.
- Natural: Whole cherries are sun-dried with the pulp still attached, which often results in fuller-bodied, fruitier coffees.
After this stage, the beans are sorted and ready for roasting. Colombian roasters have the unique know-how to achieve the perfect level of roast, creating distinct flavor profiles. There are several types of roast
- Light: This roast allows the natural characteristics of Colombian coffee to shine through. The beans are roasted at a lower temperature, which preserves the coffee’s floral and fruity aromas. You can expect notes of fruit, flowers and slight nuances of acidity.
- Medium: This roast is slightly more intense than the light roast. It offers a balance between the original characteristics of Colombian coffee and the nutty, caramel and chocolate notes that develop during roasting. The result is a more balanced coffee in terms of flavor.
- Dark: In this case, Colombian coffee beans are roasted at a higher temperature and for longer, producing more intense flavours and notes of dark chocolate, roasted hazelnut and caramel.
The long-awaited moment: the tasting
A cup of Colombian coffee is a sensory journey that tells the story of the land where it was grown and the traditions that nurtured it. The rich flavors and fruity notes evoke the love and dedication that shaped each bean.
Colombian coffee is much more than just a drink: it’s an experience, a culture and a history that unfolds with every sip. From mountain to cup, every step of the process bears witness to the passion and commitment of Colombians to this precious tradition. The worldwide reputation of Colombian coffee is well-deserved, as it is based on a deeply rooted heritage. So, the next time you enjoy a cup of Colombian coffee, remember that you’re holding in your hands much more than just a beverage, you’re holding a part of the soul of Colombia. Come and discover delicious Colombian coffee for yourself, as you travel through Colombia 👇
