By: Danny Cediel
Colombia is not just a country; it is a symbol of quality, tradition, and passion for coffee. From the majestic Andes mountains to the fertile lands of its coffee-growing regions, Colombian coffee is globally recognized for its unique flavor and unmatched aroma. In this blog, we will take you on a journey through the origins of this national treasure and how it has become an emblem of Colombia around the world.
_____________________
A Country Made for Coffee
Colombia has a privileged geography for coffee cultivation. With its mountains, tropical climates, and volcanic soils, the conditions are perfect for producing high-quality beans. The three Andean mountain ranges divide the country into unique coffee-growing regions, each with special characteristics that influence the flavor of the coffee.
Colombian Coffee Regions:
Eje Cafetero (Caldas, Quindío, Risaralda): Known for its smooth and balanced coffee.
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta: Here, coffee is produced with fruity and citrus notes.
Nariño and Huila: Coffees with intense flavors and bright acidity, thanks to the extreme altitudes.
Tolima: An emerging region that offers coffees with complex profiles and sweet notes.
_____________________
Tolima: The Coffee Jewel of Central Colombia
Tolima, located in the heart of Colombia, is a region that has gained recognition in recent years for the excellence of its coffee. With a diverse topography that includes valleys, mountains, and rivers, Tolima produces coffees with exceptional cup profiles.
Characteristics of Tolima Coffee:
Altitude: Coffee is grown between 1,200 and 2,000 meters above sea level.
Flavor: Tolima coffees stand out for their medium acidity, balanced body, and sweet notes reminiscent of caramel, tropical fruits, and chocolate.
Traditional Cultivation: Many coffee farmers in Tolima maintain traditional cultivation methods, adding an artisanal value to each bean.
Fun Fact:
Tolima is one of the least explored coffee regions, yet its coffee is winning international awards for its quality and uniqueness.
_____________________
History of Coffee in Colombia
Coffee arrived in Colombia in the 18th century, but it wasn't until the 19th century that it became a key product for the country's economy. Colombian farmers, with their dedication and ancestral knowledge, transformed coffee into a symbol of national identity. Today, Colombia is the third-largest coffee producer in the world and the largest producer of smooth Arabica coffee.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that the famous character Juan Valdez was created in 1959 to represent Colombian coffee farmers and promote Colombian coffee worldwide?
_____________________
The Process That Defines Quality
Colombian coffee is not just a product; it's an art. From the selection of the seeds to the roasting, every step is crucial to ensure its excellence.
Steps of the Process:
Cultivation: Coffee is planted on slopes, where the climate and altitude influence the flavor.
Harvesting: The beans are handpicked, selecting only the ripest ones.
Processing: The beans are washed and sun-dried, preserving their freshness and aroma.
_____________________
Sustainability and Fair Trade
At Summit Colombian Coffee, we take pride not only in the flavor of our coffee but also in the positive impact we create in coffee-growing communities. We work directly with small producers, promoting sustainable practices and ensuring fair trade that benefits everyone.
_____________________
The Coffee That Tells a Story
Colombian coffee is much more than a beverage; it is a story of effort, tradition, and love for the land. From the mountains of the Coffee Axis to the valleys of Tolima, each region contributes its essence to a unique cup of coffee. At Summit Colombian Coffee, we bring the origin of Colombia to every cup, so you can enjoy a coffee that not only tastes good but also tells a story.
_____________________
Try Authentic Colombian Coffee!
Let yourself be carried away by the flavor of Colombia!