by Hoppenworth & Ploch
Ethiopia is known as the birthplace of Arabica coffee. Here, coffee still grows wild and in small forest gardens. The genetic diversity of the coffee and the strong anchoring of coffee cultivation in the culture make Ethiopian coffee so special. Find out why!
In Kenya, the history of coffee cultivation only begins at the end of the 19th century. The first coffee plant was probably introduced by the British during the British occupation. Initially, large farms were established around Nairobi, which were run exclusively by the British. Only after 1960, when Kenya became independent again, did the Kenyans themselves start growing coffee on small farms and continue to develop one of the finest and highest quality coffees in the world.
Brazil is now the world's largest coffee producer and exporter. After Germany and the USA, Brazil itself is the strongest consumer of coffee grown in its own country. The "cafezinho", translated as "little coffee", is a strong, dark coffee served in Brazil as a sign of hospitality and conviviality. It is stronger than the filter coffee we know here and is often served heavily sweetened. Brazilians drink it at all times of the day.
Coffee from Burundi is often synonymous with coffee from the Long Miles Coffee Project. Ben and Kristy Carlson's project has brought speciality coffee from Burundi to roasters around the world and is improving the lives of local farmers by growing high quality coffee. In our interview, we talk to Seth Nduwayo, the production and quality manager, about the project, the harvest season and the impact of the Corona pandemic.
With the organic coffee Loja we now again have beans from the South American republic on the Pacific coast. It takes its name from the coffee-growing region south-east of the Andes. Here, Loja is grown with organic certification.
What actually makes a coffee-growing region? And what are the differences in growing conditions between Arabica and Robusta? Here are the answers...