Coffee is one of the most popular and appreciated drinks in the world. As is widely known, there are several recognized coffee origins, each with unique characteristics and distinctive flavor profiles. In this article, we will dive into the fascinating world of Brazilian coffee , exploring its characteristics, production methods, and other relevant facts about this highly prized origin.
BRAZILIAN COFFEE TRADITION
First of all, it is important to recognize the coffee tradition of Brazil, because as is well known, Brazil is recognized as the largest producer and exporter of coffee in the world . With a climate and soil conducive to growing coffee, this South American country has forged a rich coffee tradition over the years. Brazilian coffee has gained international renown thanks to its quality and variety.
Varieties of Brazilian coffee:
Brazil is known for growing mainly two varieties of coffee: Arabica and Robusta . Considered to be of the highest quality, Arabica coffee is grown in the mountainous regions of Brazil, where altitudes and optimal weather conditions provide a perfect environment for its growth. Robusta coffee, on the other hand, is found in lower altitude areas and has a stronger, more bitter flavor.
Characteristics of coffee from Brazil
Brazilian coffee stands out for its mild flavor, medium body, and notes of nuts and chocolate. The combination of fertile soil, stable climate and advanced cultivation techniques contributes to the production of coffee beans with a distinctive flavor. In addition, the variety in Brazil's growing regions also adds diversity to the flavor profile of coffee, with subtle but noticeable differences between the various producing areas.
production methods
In Brazil, coffee production involves a combination of modern and traditional methods. Brazilian farmers have implemented advanced cultivation techniques, such as mechanization and controlled irrigation, to improve the efficiency and quality of coffee. In addition, the country has vast coffee plantations, many of which still employ hand-picking practices to ensure that only ripe beans are selected at harvest.
Photo: Manual collection of coffee beans.
Featured producing regions
Brazil is a vast and diverse country, with a wide range of coffee-producing regions. The 5 main coffee producing regions in Brazil are:
- Minas Gerais : It is in this region where we find the highest concentration of coffee farms. In fact, there are more than 1 million hectares of plots dedicated to growing coffee. 200 farms have also received the “gourmet coffee” designation.
- Bahía : The cultivation of Arabica is very predominant in this region. It is distinguished by the fineness of its aroma.
- Espíritu Santo : In this region, robusta coffee is grown mainly and is usually used almost exclusively for blends. The taste characteristics of this coffee are much less recognized than those of the Bahia Arabica.
- Sao Paulo : it all started in this region, we can say that São Paulo is a bit like the cradle of the coffee culture in Brazil. In fact, the first coffee farm was born in this region. The plants are grown in the heights, so they benefit from the good conditions of the altitude.
- Paraná : like the Mina Gerais region, more than 1 million hectares are dedicated to coffee exploitation. It is a particularly humid zone, very frequented by plantations. Here there are various types of land, different sizes and different ways of harvesting coffee. Therefore, the performance is lower there than in other regions.
Each region has its distinctive characteristics, such as different altitudes, microclimates, and soils, which influence the flavor profile of the coffee.
Photo: Coffee of Brazilian Origin in Beans and Coffee of Brazilian Origin in Capsules compatible with Nespresso Viaggio Espresso brand .
Curiosities about Brazilian coffee:
- Brazilian coffee has been internationally recognized in numerous competitions and specialized events.
- Coffee culture in Brazil is so ingrained that the country has a "Coffee Route" that allows visitors to explore different plantations and learn about the history and production process.
- The São Paulo Commodity Exchange is one of the main coffee futures markets in the world, where a large part of the coffee production is traded.