Coffees of the World: South America

May 20
06:56

2024

Fenton Wayne

Fenton Wayne

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With over one billion cups of coffee consumed daily, coffee is a global phenomenon. This article delves into the rich and diverse coffees of South America, exploring their unique flavors and origins.

Brazilian Coffee

Overview

Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer,Coffees of the World: South America Articles contributing approximately one-third of global coffee production. However, a significant portion of this is Robusta coffee, which is often considered lower quality and primarily used in blends due to its affordability.

Notable Varieties

  • Santos/Bourbon Santos: These Arabica beans are grown around the São Paulo region and are known for their excellent quality.
  • Rio: A dry-processed bean with a distinctive medicinal flavor, popular in the Balkans and Middle Eastern countries but often considered a defect in Western markets.

Statistics

Colombian Coffee

Overview

Colombia is renowned for its high-quality Arabica beans and is the largest producer of Arabica coffee globally. The coffee is predominantly wet-processed and grown by small farmers in the three main mountain ranges, known as cordilleras.

Quality and Flavor

Colombian coffee is well-balanced, consistent, and ranges from mildly fruity to superb high-grown varieties. The Colombian Coffee Federation oversees the collection, processing, milling, and export of these beans.

Statistics

Peruvian Coffee

Overview

Despite political challenges, Peru remains among the top ten coffee producers globally. The country is known for its high-grown Arabica beans, which are flavorful, aromatic, gentle, and mildly acidic.

Blending Properties

Peruvian coffees are highly valued for their blending properties, making them a favorite among coffee connoisseurs.

Statistics

Ecuadorian Coffee

Overview

In 2007, Ecuador produced nearly a million bags of both Arabica and Robusta coffees. These coffees are medium-bodied, fairly acidic, and have a straightforward flavor typical of Central and South American coffee.

Quality vs. Quantity

While Ecuador has the potential to produce top-quality coffee, much of its production is aimed at the low-price market. A significant portion of the coffee is consumed domestically.

Statistics

Venezuelan Coffee

Overview

Venezuela once produced coffee quantities comparable to Colombia, but its production has significantly declined since the discovery of oil. Today, Venezuela produces only about 7% of Colombia's coffee output, with most of it consumed domestically.

Notable Varieties

  • Maracaibos: Coffees from the western part of Venezuela, bordering Colombia, are known as Maracaibos. The best-known varieties include Caracus, Cúcuta, Mérida, Trujillo, and Táchira.
  • Lavado Fino: The highest grade of Venezuelan coffee, known for its fine washed quality.

Statistics

Conclusion

South America is a treasure trove of diverse and rich coffee varieties, each with its unique flavor profile and history. From Brazil's vast coffee plantations to Colombia's high-quality Arabica beans, the continent offers something for every coffee lover. Stay tuned for more articles exploring coffees from around the globe.

For more detailed statistics and information, visit the International Coffee Organization.