Early History of Colombian Coffee (1700s-1900s)

The story of Colombian coffee begins in the early 1700s when Jesuit priests are believed to have brought coffee to Colombia around 1723.

Convincing locals to grow coffee trees was difficult, but legend says that Priest Francisco Romero found a unique method. He advised people to grow coffee trees as a sort of penance rather than acknowledging their sins.

The first commercial production of coffee started in 1808, and by 1835, Colombia exported its first coffee beans to the United States. Coffee farming began in the eastern regions of Colombia, including Santander, North Santander, and Cundinamarca. Later, due to economic changes, coffee farming spread to the western regions of the country.

Modern Coffee Production (1900 – Present Day)

The 20th century brought many changes to the coffee industry in Colombia:

• 1927: The National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia (FNC) was established to help small farmers overcome commercial challenges.

• 1930: Colombia became the second-largest coffee producer in the world.

• 1958: The FNC launched the famous Juan Valdez advertisement to promote 100% Colombian coffee.

• 1990s: The coffee industry faced a crisis as many farmers struggled to make a profit.

• 2011: UNESCO classified Colombia's "Coffee Cultural Landscape" as a World Heritage Site.

• 2020: The coffee industry has begun to recover, but climate change continues to pose serious concerns.

The Role of the National Federation of Coffee Growers (FNC)

The FNC is a non-profit organization that represents over 500,000 small coffee farmers in Colombia. It is critical to supporting coffee production research and development, especially a focus on improving the quality and sustainability of Colombian coffee.

The FNC's main goal is to defend the Colombian coffee industry and guaranteeing that farmers receive fair prices for their beans.

The Impact of Climate Change on Colombian Coffee

Arabica coffee is really popular. Most Colombian coffee is made from Arabica beans, which are especially sensitive to climate change. Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall have made coffee plants more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Additionally, the overuse of pesticides has led to soil and water contamination, further threatening coffee production in Colombia.

Growing Regions in Colombia

Colombia’s coffee-growing regions are divided into three main areas: North, South, and Central.

• North: This region has a warmer climate with lower altitudes. It produces coffee with fruity flavors and a light body.

• South: Located closer to the equator and at higher altitudes, this region grows coffee with rich, nutty, and sweet flavors.

• Central: Known as the Colombian coffee-growing axis, this region has a balanced climate that produces well-rounded coffee with medium body and bright acidity. Growing conditions in here are better than the other regions.

Harvesting Methods in Colombia

Most coffee farms in Colombia are small and family-owned. This allows growers to handpick each coffee cherry, ensuring that only the most perfect beans are collected. This careful harvesting method is one of the reasons Colombian coffee offers such high quality.

Flavor Profile of Colombian Coffee

Colombian coffee is primarily made from Arabica beans, which are known for their superior flavor. Also volcanic soils in colombia are crucial for a good harvest. These beans offer a well-balanced taste with notes of chocolate, nuts, and fruit. The wet-processing method used in Colombia increases these characteristics, creating a clean, bright cup of coffee with a smooth feel.

Roasting Tips for Colombian Coffee

Colombian coffee beans are versatile and can be roasted at different levels to bring out various flavors:

• Light Roast: This roast highlights the coffee's bright acidity, citrus, and fruit notes.

• Medium Roast: This roast brings out a balance of sweetness and a rich aroma.

• Dark Roast: This roast offers an intense, bold flavor with a deep aroma.

Brewing Methods for Colombian Coffee

To get the best taste from Colombian coffee, the way you brew it matters. Different methods bring out different flavors, so let’s look at some popular ways to brew Colombian coffee:

Aeropress:

The Aeropress method creates a balanced cup with a smooth, full body. It’s easy to use and perfect if you want a clean, rich taste. Just remember, the more coffee grounds you use, the stronger your coffee will be.

If you want to learn more details, check our detailed blog about Aeropress method

French Press:

The French press is a popular method for brewing Colombian coffee. It gives you a rich, full-bodied cup that really shows off the coffee's natural flavors. The process is simple: just add coffee grounds to the press, pour hot water over them, stir, and let it steep for about four or five minutes. Then, press the plunger down and enjoy!

Moka Pot:

The Moka pot, also known as a stovetop espresso maker, is another great way to brew Colombian coffee. It makes a strong, rich coffee that’s similar to espresso but without the need for a fancy machine. The Moka pot works by boiling water and forcing it through the coffee grounds, creating a bold and flavorful cup.

You should check our blog if you are interested about espresso

Filter Coffee:

Brewing Colombian coffee with a filter coffee maker is easy and brings out a balanced, smooth flavor. Just place a filter in the machine, add your coffee grounds, pour in water, and start brewing. It’s a great way to enjoy the mild, fruity notes of Colombian coffee with little effort.

No matter how you choose to brew your Colombian coffee, each method brings out something special. Whether you like it strong and bold or smooth and balanced, Colombian coffee can be enjoyed in many delicious ways.

Summary

Colombian coffee is celebrated for its rich flavor, bright acidity, and smooth texture. The coffee's history dates back to the 1700s when Jesuit priests first introduced it to the country. Over time, Colombia became one of the world's top coffee producers.

The careful harvesting methods, the work of the National Federation of Coffee Growers, and the perfect growing climate all contribute to the unique flavor of Colombian coffee. Despite challenges like climate change, Colombian coffee continues to be a favorite worldwide.

At Traum Kaffe, we are passionate about bringing you the finest coffee from around the world. We offer a selection of Colombian coffee that showcases the rich flavors and unique qualities that make it so special.

Whether you prefer a smooth and balanced brew or a bold and intense cup, you can order our Colombian coffee directly from our website.

Experience the taste of Colombia right here in Dubai with Traum Kaffe.