The two largest producers of Arabica coffee are Brazil and Colombia. Brazil is the world’s largest producer of coffee because they grow Robusta as well as Arabica. They out produce Arabica coffee because they grow coffee at lower altitudes than Colombia does and aim for maximum yields as opposed to highest coffee quality which is what Colombian growers aim for. What are the differences of coffee from Colombia versus coffee from Brazil?
Where Does Colombia Grow Its Coffee?
The bulk of the best coffee from Colombia comes from just west of the Northern Volcanic front in Colombia. The Andes split into three separate ridge lines as they pass through Colombia. The Eje Cafetero of Colombia starts on the slopes of the westernmost ridgeline and extends to the west encompassing the departments of Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindío and part of Huila and Tolima. All of these regions grow coffee at altitudes in excess of 3,000 feet up to 8,000 feet in volcanic soil.
Coffee Growing Region Near Manizales Colombia
Where Does Brazil Grow Its Coffee?
Although Brazil grows coffee in thirty-three different regions, half of Brazil’s coffee is grown in Minas Gerais at altitudes between 700 and 1,300 feet. This region turns out a heavy bodied but smooth coffee in huge quantities. While Min Gerais does a lot of mechanized farming, the most mechanized sub region within Minas Gerais is Chapada de Minas.
How Do the Strength and Flavor of Coffee from Colombia Differ from Coffee Grown in Brazil?
Because Brazil grows both Robusta and Arabica coffee the largest nation in South America produces the strongest coffee on average. Altitude makes a difference as well because coffee grown at lower altitudes in Brazil is low in acidity, smooth, and has both nutty and chocolaty notes. High altitude coffee from the Andes of Colombia is more acidic, caramelly, fruity and bright.
Which Coffee Varieties Do the Two Nations Grow?
While Brazilian growers favor Catuai, Mundo Novo, and Bourbon varieties, Colombian grows prefer Caturra, Typica and Castillo. Castillo is increasingly popular in Colombia because of its resistance to leaf rust.
Coffee Processing in Brazil Versus Colombia
Large coffee farms in Brazil opt for optimal yields using lots of synthetic fertilizers aiming to predictable quality with natural processing. Much of coffee in Brazil is picked by machine. Colombia coffee farmers at high altitudes with volcanic soil tend not to use fertilizers, Coffee on steep slopes is picked by hand and then wash-processed.
Which Coffee Do You Prefer?
The most important aspect of coffee for most folks is the taste of their morning cup of coffee. Most of us do not care if our coffee comes from a large low land coffee farm in Brazil or a small, family owned coffee farm on the slopes of the western most ridgeline of the Andes in the Colombian Cafetero. If we like our coffee we like our coffee. If you like a brighter, slightly acidic coffee you are likely to prefer Colombian coffee. If a low acid coffee with hints of chocolate or nuts is your preference you will vote for coffee from Brazil.