Know Your Coffee
Coffee Origins: A Journey Through Time and Culture
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The humble coffee bean has a rich and fascinating history spanning centuries and continents, which is loved by people all over the world. With this shared passion for coffee, people are increasingly wondering, what are the origins of coffee, and why do some coffees taste so different? Read on to discover the origins our favourite coffee blends.
Where does coffee come from?
When learning about where coffee comes from and how coffee was discovered, it’s important to know that it doesn’t originate from just one place. In fact, coffee is grown in more than 50 countries around the world, in what is known as the ‘coffee belt’. This includes Africa, Latin America and Asia. These regions have just the right combination of altitude, soil and weather, providing the perfect climate for growing the most delicious beans.
African coffee
African coffee from Ethiopia is thought to be some of the best in the world due to its wonderfully distinctive flavour. The traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony is a significant cultural practice where coffee beans are roasted, ground, and brewed in a special pot called a "jebena," and the resulting coffee is served in small cups, often enjoyed with popcorn or other snacks.
- Traditionally, Ethiopian coffee boasts the following characteristics:
- Fruity Flavours: Ethiopian coffee is best known for its vibrant flavour, including hints of berries, citrus, and tropical fruits.
- Light to Medium Body: The body of Ethiopian coffee is usually light to medium, creating a smooth and balance mouthfeel.
- Floral Notes: Many Ethiopian coffees have distinct floral aromas, such as jasmine, bergamot, and rose.
- Bright Acidity: Ethiopian coffee typically has a bright, lively acidity that adds to its complex flavour profile.
Did you know coffee is grown in more than 50 countries around the world? It’s known as the ‘coffee belt’ and includes Africa, Latin America and Asia.
Latin American coffee
Known for its ideal climate and soil conditions that contribute to the cultivation of high-quality coffee beans, Latin America is considered one of the coffee capitals of the world and makes up most of the blends found on supermarket shelves today. The flavour is universally enjoyed which is mostly attributed to its well-rounded taste. A few of the key characteristics of Latin American coffee are:
- Nutty
- Low acidity
- Light or medium roast
Brazil
Brazil owns the title of the largest coffee producer globally, producing approximately one-third of the world's coffee supply. Brazilian coffee is typically characterized by its:
- Smooth and Mild Flavour: Brazilian coffee tends to have a balanced flavour profile, making it perfect for a wide range of coffee drinkers.
- Chocolatey Notes: Many Brazilian coffees have distinct chocolatey undertones, ranging from milk chocolate to dark chocolate flavours.
- Low Acidity: Brazilian coffee generally has low acidity, which contributes to its smooth and mellow taste. This makes it less sharp and more rounded on the palate.
Columbia
Colombia is another giant in the coffee world, known for its high-quality Arabica beans. The country's mountainous terrain, with its high altitudes and consistent rainfall, creates ideal conditions for growing coffee. Columbian coffee is noted for its:
- Bright Acidity: Colombian coffee has a vibrant acidity, which adds a lively and refreshing quality to the cup.
- Well-Balanced Flavour: It is known for its well-balanced flavour profile, harmoniously blending acidity, sweetness, and body.
- Fruity Notes: Many Colombian coffees have distinct fruity flavours, including citrus, berry, and tropical fruit notes.
- Clean Finish: Colombian coffee is often praised for its clean and crisp finish, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.
Costa Rica
Costa Rican coffee is particularly applauded for its commitment to quality and sustainability. Alongside this, coffee from this colorful country is especially known for its:
- Bright Acidity: Costa Rican coffee is loved for its bright and lively acidity, giving it it a crisp and refreshing quality.
- Full Body: The body of Costa Rican coffee is typically full, providing a rich and satisfying mouthfeel.
- Complexity: The flavour profile of Costa Rican coffee is often complex, with multiple layers of taste that evolve as you drink it.
Asian coffee
Asia is home to some of the most unique coffee blends with bold, unique flavourings unlike any other.
Indonesia
Indonesian coffee is renowned for its full-bodied, earthy flavours and distinctive profiles, which have made it a staple in the global coffee market. The country's unique processing methods, such as the ‘wet-hulled process’, contribute to its characteristic taste.
India
India also has a significant coffee history, with cultivation dating back to the 17th century when an Indian pilgrim named Baba Budan smuggled coffee seeds from Yemen to India. The coffee-growing regions of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu are renowned for their unique coffee profiles, often characterized by spicy and nutty notes. Indian coffee is celebrated for its balance and complexity, with both Arabica and Robusta varieties being cultivated.
Vietnam, one of the world's largest coffee producers, developed its coffee culture under French colonial influence. Vietnamese coffee is known for its rich and creamy texture, often brewed using a drip filter and served with sweetened condensed milk, creating a beverage known as "cà phê sữa đá." The country's coffee production is dominated by Robusta beans, which contribute to its strong and bold flavour profile. Vietnam's coffee industry has grown rapidly, making it a major player in the global coffee market.
Our NESCAFÉ® GOLD BLEND Origins Alta Rica blend is Latin American coffee at its finest. Grown at high altitudes, the subtle fruity notes and caramel flavours make this coffee a wonderfully rounded blend that’s perfect for savouring.
Still deciding which region you want to send your taste buds to next? Explore our NESCAFÉ® GOLD BLEND Origins range. With unique blends from coffee hotspots around the world including Colombia and Indonesia, you’re bound to find a blend that inspires you.
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