The #Characteristics of the origins: a journey to coffee producing countries

Coffee, our favorite wake-up companion, is so much more than just a beverage. It’s a journey through time and space, a cup of culture that embraces the entire world. As we sip our espresso or cappuccino, we should remember that each sip transports us to a different corner of the planet. Today, we delve into the world of coffee origins, an experience that encompasses the concept of terroir and the nuances that each region imparts to this extraordinary drink. Today, we’ll immerse ourselves in five of the most fascinating coffee destinations in the world: Indonesia, Brazil, Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Panama. Are you ready to discover which one suits your #Character?

In the vast region known as the Coffee Belt or bean belt lies the secret of coffee’s origins. This area embraces the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, a territory ranging from 200 to over 2000 meters in altitude, characterized by a warm, humid climate with abundant rains interspersed with dry seasons. It’s here that the coffee plant finds its natural habitat, giving birth to a world of unique flavors.

According to data gathered by the International Coffee Organization (ICO), an institution founded in London in 1963, the leading coffee producers include Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, and Indonesia, followed by India, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, and, of course, Ethiopia. In each of these regions, the coffee plant has adapted to local climate conditions, creating unique varieties.

The choices to cultivate Robusta, Arabica, or Liberica are not only influenced by terroir but also by market demands. Each variety has its distinctive characteristics, from flavor notes to aromatic qualities. Are you ready to discover them?”

INDONESIA: ADMIST THE AROMAS OF THE ARCIPELAGO

Indonesia is a jewel in the world of coffee, with a production range spanning from classic varieties to unique processing methods. This vast archipelago, situated in the Indian Ocean, is home to several islands; among the most renowned for coffee cultivation are Sumatra, Java, Bali, and Sulawesi. The altitude and climate vary significantly from one island to another, contributing to the creation of unique flavor profiles. It would be amazing to try a tasting of single origins, all Indonesian but each from different islands: we would surely be astonished by the variety of aromas and differences we could perceive!

One region we must mention is Sumatra, famous for its full-bodied and rich coffee. Here, a unique processing method called “Giling Basah” imparts a wet and earthy note to the coffee. For those who love sweet, intense coffee with hints of chocolate, we recommend a coffee with a #Vigorous Character, grown in Java. Head over to Bali if you’re looking for bright acidity and floral notes.

Have you heard about Toraja coffee from your trusted roaster? It comes from here, the island of Sulawesi: a coffee with a rich and complex taste, characterized by herbal and spicy notes.

THE HEART OF GLOBAL PRODUCTION

Brazil is undoubtedly one of the giants in the world of coffee. This vast South American country is famous for large-scale production, and for us Italians, it sets the standard for coffee flavor. The beloved aromas by the #Fascinating Character come from Brazilian coffee: full-bodied, pleasantly sweet, and with a enveloping crema.

In Brazil, arabica coffee represents the majority of production: elongated and fragrant beans are mainly cultivated in regions like Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Bahia, and São Paulo. The altitude varies significantly in these regions, contributing to a wide range of aromatic profiles.

While Santos coffee is a well-known variety of arabica, renowned for its smooth and sweet taste with hints of chocolate and nuts, Bourbon Island coffee is known for its full body and fruity flavor.

But as we well know, a bold cup is often prepared with robusta coffee too: Brazil is also one of the world’s leading producers of robusta coffee. Body, intensity, and a bold flavor provide the right kick to every sip.

ETHIOPIA: WHERE COFFEE HAS ITS ORIGINS

Ethiopia is the place where the story of coffee began, a country that embodies all the charm that surrounds the history of this beverage. It’s mainly known for the production of arabica coffee… and what coffee it is! If you’ve never tried Ethiopian arabica with its explosion of floral notes and delicate acidity, you absolutely must add this experience to your once-in-a-lifetime to-do list.

Coffee from the Sidamo region is famous for its bright acidity and floral flavors, often with hints of citrus and black tea. It’s considered one of the best arabicas in the world: truly one-of-a-kind, it immediately captures the heart of an #Adventurous Character.

Aromatic complexity, notes of flowers, fruit, and spices in a cup of Yirgacheffe.

But not only that, regions like Gedeo, Limu, and Harrar also produce some of the finest coffee beans, often surprising professional tasters with the richness of aromatic nuances that characterize this beverage.

THE COFFEE HERITAGE

Guatemala is a dream destination for coffee lovers, with a long and passionate history in the world of high-quality arabica production. This country is renowned for its arabica coffee production, which grows in various climatic regions of the country. Major cultivation areas include Antigua, Huehuetenango, Atitlán, and Cobán. These regions offer ideal climatic conditions for the cultivation of high-quality coffee, with high altitudes and distinct microclimates.

Antigua coffee is famous for its full flavor, silky body, and aromatic complexity, the perfect companion for a #Cheerful Character. It’s often described with notes of chocolate and flowers. The Huehuetenango region is perhaps the most well-known even to those less experienced; it produces coffee with bright acidity and a fruity profile, often with flavors of dried fruit and spices.

Atitlán coffee is known for its sweet and vibrant taste, with notes of citrus and flowers, while a cup of beans from the Cobán region is characterized by a mild acidity and a hint of chocolate, with pleasant complexity.

PANAMA: THE UNKNOWN EXCELLENCE 

Panama is still a relatively unknown destination in the world of coffee, but it holds extraordinary promise for connoisseurs. For those in search of excellence, this nation offers some of the most prized varieties globally, including the Geisha, a cup of exclusive goodness.

Panama is known for its high-quality arabica varieties, often grown on small family estates. High altitude and unique climatic conditions contribute to the creation of exceptionally complex coffees.

Boquete coffee is renowned for its bright and fruity flavor, with notes of citrus and flowers: it’s considered one of the best coffees from Panama, a coffee that should never be missed for a #Chill Character. Volcán coffee, on the other hand, is known for its silky body and rich taste, often with hints of chocolate and dried fruit.

Looking for delicate acidity and floral notes? Try coffee from Chiriquí, one of the preferred choices of many connoisseurs.

The journey into origins could become an endless path because every region produces unique beans, and every #Character would find their ideal cup. We can only suggest starting from here and with these first destinations, embarking on a wonderful journey of taste. The good news? You can do it without taking a plane or boarding a ship, simply by sipping a cup from a different origin every day.