The Geography of Coffee
Turkish Coffee
As wine is known for the region in which it is grown, so the overall flavor of the coffee reflects the region in which it is grown. In describing the different growing regions, Starbucks says, “Geography is a flavor.”
Africa: The Birthplace of Coffee.
The origin of coffee is traced to modern-day Ethiopia, where it is believed to have grown wild along the coast of the Red Sea, just across from the Arabian peninsula. Even today, wild coffee shrubs grow all over the region. Coffee is harvested from these wild trees, primarily in the regions of Sidamo, Harer, and Kaffa, for which the coffee is named. Full-flavor and full-bodied describes Ethiopian coffee.
The most famous African coffee comes from Kenya. Kenyan coffee is usually grown in the foothills, and in sight, of Mount Kenya and is fragrant and full-bodied.
Robusta coffee (robusta is considered of lower quality and flavor than arabica coffee) is mainly grown in the Ivory Coast, which produces the highest quantity of robusta coffee in the world. Robusta coffee from the Ivory Coast coffee is preferred for dark roasts and is best used in espresso blends.
Arabian Peninsula: Cultivation Takes Root
Coffee cultivation began on the Arabian Peninsula, primarily in Yemen. Arabian coffee has a deep, rich taste that is uniquely fruity.
Southeast Asia: The Dutch Colonize Coffee.
Indonesia and Vietnam produce the well-known coffees of this region. The islands of Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi of Indonesia are most famous for their rich, full bodied coffees with what are described as “earthy flavors.”
Indonesian farmers began to store coffee to sell later when prices where higher. Unintentionally, this warehouse-aged coffee developed a unique flavor that is now highly valued.
Vietnamese coffee, on the other hand, has a lighter, medium-bodied flavor.
Central and South America: The Big-Daddy of Modern Coffee.
This region of the world produces more coffee than any other area. Brazil and Colombia are the top producers in this region, with Brazil, as a country, leading the way. Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama produce smaller amounts, but like Costa Rican coffee, have their followings. These coffees offer flavor characteristics that are considered mild, medium-bodied, and aromatic.
While Brazil produces a higher volume, Colombia is the most well-known coffee producing country in the world. Columbia’s coffee growing region is exceptionally rugged. In this environment small family farms produce hand-crafted coffee that is consistently ranked well. Colombian Supremo is the highest grade here. Depending on your age, you may remember the Juan Valdez television commercials used to promote the Colombian coffee industry.
The coffee growing regions of Mexico are in the states of Vera Cruz, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. Mexico grows a large volume of coffee and it has a sharp taste.
Hawaiian Coffee
The only state of the United States growing coffee is Hawaii. Kona coffee of Hawaii is grown in the tropical climate and volcanic soils of Hawaii. The flavor of Kona has a nice, medium-body.
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