Imagine spectacular vistas – misty mountains, verdant forests, and coffee-growing slopes covering green rolling hills. Colombia's coffee region is speckled with small pueblos where little has changed over the past century and the same colonial air of bygone days still lingers, as coffee farmers travel the old country roads to bring their goods to market.
THE COFFEE TRIANGLE - COLOMBIA’S COFFEEGROWING REGIONS
With an ideal climate and perfect growing conditions, Colombian coffee is celebrated as some of the world’s best coffee. The richness of its flavor is hard to match. The coffee comes from the Eje Cafetero or “coffee axis” in central Colombia that sits at the crossroads between the towns of Manizales, Armenia, and Pereira in the Paisa Region, also known as the Coffee Triangle. Coffee from each area has its own distinct hints of flavor.
And in all regions the coffee beans are carefully picked, every bean harvested by hand; with this selection process, only the very best coffee is produced.
A MINI-HISTORY OF COLOMBIAN COFFEE
The coffee plant was first introduced to Colombia with the Jesuit priests who came from Europe in the mid 16th century. After a slow start, it gained momentum and by 1835 Colombia began exporting coffee to the United States. Since then, Colombia's coffee exports to our country and across the world have exploded, putting Colombia near the top in terms of coffee production worldwide.
Colombian coffee growing has even become a part of Colombia’s national identity, and because of the country’s record of sustainable coffee farming traditions, the “Coffee Cultural Landscape” of Colombia has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
COFFEE PROFILE
Just breathe in that aroma! Colombian coffee is known for its mild acidity and balanced body.
HOW CAN DRINKING A CUP OF COLOMBIAN COFFEE DO SOME REAL GOOD?
The country of Colombia has long had serious problems with drug trafficking, murder, and crime. Over the last 20 years, many plans and programs have gone in place to help reduce those problems. In 2016 it was reported that the murder rate in Colombia had dropped to the lowest rate since 1974. Another statistic showed that in 2010 the production of cocaine was reduced by 60%. Coffee plays a role in these bettering statistics since many farmers switched from growing coca leaves (which make cocaine) to growing coffee. When you purchase Colombian coffee you are not just supporting the farmers, but you are actually contributing to safer communities in Colombia and by extension, in the USA.
Our Colombia Organic Coffee is also Rainforest Alliance Certified, which means that the farm where the coffee grows is held to a strict standard. The Rainforest Alliance says: “Coffee farms or groups of smallholder farmers that earn the Rainforest Alliance Certified™ seal are audited annually against a rigorous standard with detailed environmental, social and economic criteria. These criteria are designed to protect biodiversity, deliver financial benefits to farmers, and foster a culture of respect for workers and local communities. Rainforest Alliance certification also promotes decent living and working conditions for workers, gender equity, and access to education for children in farm communities.”
All in all, you can feel good about the cup of coffee you are drinking!
AND THAT BRINGS US TO OUR FEATURED COFFEE OF THE MONTH . . .
One of the hallmarks of Java Planet’s Colombia Organic Coffee is its full-bodied, big-balanced flavor in a dark roast with mild acidity. This is a favorite among people who are looking for “low acid” coffee. Many of our customers who have acid issues, tell us this is the only coffee they can drink!
Enjoy the great aroma and rich flavor while imagining enchanting misty mountain vistas. Check it out here!
