If there is something for which Colombia stands out worldwide is for its coffee. It is not for nothing that the country is the 3rd largest coffee producer in the world.
As this is one of the main agricultural products, many territories of the country are dedicated to its cultivation. These places are known as coffee-growing areas. In Colombia, coffee is not only important economically, but also culturally. Even parts of its coffee-growing areas have been recognized as Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
This is why, this time, we will talk to you about the most important aspects of coffee cultivation and we will make a tour through the main Colombian coffee-growing areas.
Table of Contents
How are the coffee crops in Colombia?
Coffee comes from a plant called coffee tree and its cultivation is known as “cafetal” or coffee crop. From this plant, a small white flower blooms which, after a while, gives rise to what we know as the “coffee cherry”. Inside, there are usually two seeds that, after a thorough process, become what we know as coffee beans.
On the other hand, only Arabica coffee varieties are grown in Colombia. This is, among others, one of the reasons why the quality of coffee is so high and recognized worldwide.
Coffee plantations are large extensions of land on which the coffee tree is planted. Like any plantation, coffee needs a series of conditions or requirements in order to be cultivated. These are related not only to the land but also to the climatic conditions. Let’s take a look at each one!
The climate
When we talk about climate, we refer to 3 main aspects: temperature, altitude and rainfall. In the case of coffee, each of these aspects has special characteristics that make the coffee plant develop correctly. This allows and guarantees adequate growth and a quality product.
The temperature
The ideal temperature for coffee is between 18° and 22°C (64° and 72°F). If, for example, the temperature is below 10°C (52 °F), the growth of the plant can be affected. Coffee is also more susceptible to diseases under these conditions.
One of the factors on which the temperature depends is the altitude of the place. The higher the altitude, the lower the temperature and the lower the altitude, the higher the temperature. In the case of Colombia, as it is located in a tropical region, we can find several climates and temperatures even being in the same region.
Another factor influencing temperature is the orientation of the mountain slopes. In the Colombian case, the slopes facing the plains are warmer than those facing the mountain systems. This, even if they are at the same altitude.
The main coffee-growing areas of the country have a uniform temperature throughout the year that is between 18° and 22°C (64° and 72°F). As we mentioned before, if coffee is grown in different temperatures, although it may grow, it will have more drawbacks and its quality will be affected.
It is also thanks to these good conditions that Colombian coffee is known as one of the best quality coffees.
The altitude
Coffee, mainly of the Arabica variety, is grown at altitudes between 1,200 and 1,800 meters (3940-5905 ft) above sea level.
Colombia is located in the tropic of cancer and the main coffee growing areas are on the slopes of the mountain ranges that cross the country. These are in an altitudinal range that goes from 1,000 to 2,000 meters (3280-6560 ft) above sea level.
Although coffee can be grown at altitudes above 2,000 m (6560 ft) above sea level, the harvesting process is much more difficult and unprofitable. Also, there may be limitations in the growth of the plant.
Precipitation
By definition, it is any type of hydrometeor that falls to the earth’s surface from the atmosphere. These can be rain, snow, drizzle, hail, among others. In the case of coffee, we are going to talk specifically about rain. Its quantity and distribution during the year are fundamental for the cultivation of coffee.
For coffee plantations, the ideal amount of rainfall should be between 1,800 and 2,800 mm per year. The mm of rainwater should be distributed over all 12 months. 120 mm of rain every 30 days is the optimum amount.
When there is less than 1,000 mm of rainfall, the development of the plant is affected. The coffee plant may not grow sufficiently, thus affecting the next harvest. In addition, when there is a lot of droughts, there is an increased risk of defoliation (premature leaf drop) and plant death.
On the other hand, when rainfall exceeds 3,000 mm, the quality of the coffee cup can be altered. It is also more difficult to plant coffee plants.
The soil
Soil quality is one of the most important factors to consider when growing coffee. After all, it is the base on which it will grow and its main source of nutrients and water. Without these, growth, development and production would simply not be possible.
The ideal soil characteristics for the cultivation of coffee are:
- The soil should be deep and with a good granular structure.
- Have a good amount of organic matter. Color is an indicator, so dark soils are ideal.
- In terms of texture, the particles that make up the soil must be in equal proportions. This texture is known as “loam”.
- Ideally, it should be aerated and have good drainage.
- Soil acidity should be between 5 and 5.5.
In some regions of Colombia, soils have another special characteristic. They can have volcanic ash materials. This, for example in the coffee-growing region (Eje Cafetero), has helped to increase soil productivity.
Cultivation practices
On the other hand, we can also find two practices of coffee cultivation in Colombia: full exposure and shading.
A determining factor in the process of plant growth and development is solar radiation. That is why, depending on the amount of light and sunshine in the region, the cultivation practice is determined.
In areas where there is generally a lot of cloud cover during the day, cultivation is usually at full exposure. Such is the case of the coffee axis in Colombia.
A shaded crop is one that has trees planted within the coffee plantations to provide shade for the plants. In addition, this also helps to regulate other aspects such as water availability, maintain soil fertility, provide organic matter and reduce erosion. The most common tree species are the Carbonero (Calliandra pittieri), Cámbulo (Erythrina poeppigiana), Guamo (Inga edulis), among others.
In Colombia, approximately 37% of the hectares cultivated with coffee are under shade.
Coffee growing process in Colombia
For the coffee production process, there are some established steps that must be carried out to ensure a good crop. We will show you below, in a general way, the most important factors of the coffee process in Colombia.
1. The seedbed
Perhaps the first thing you might think is that the seed is planted directly into the ground. But this is not the case. For the coffee plant, the seed must first be germinated in a special place and then it can go into the field.
The seedbed is a space with a controlled environment in which the coffee seeds are planted. It remains there for approximately 2 months.
A seedbed is an essential place for several reasons:
- In a controlled environment such as a seedbed, the perfect conditions for origin and development can easily be created.
- The coffee tree is more likely to be of higher quality and stronger. Thus, when it goes to the field, it is more resistant to the natural environment.
2. The nursery bed
The nursery is another controlled space, where the stage of development of the coffee plant happens. Here, the plants already have a certain height. The idea of the nursery is to help the tree, after having germinated correctly, to develop to perfection.
The coffee trees must go through this process before their final planting in the field. This stage lasts approximately 6 months.
The nursery is essential for the same reasons as the seedbed. It helps to provide the perfect conditions to have a high quality coffee plant ready for planting. In addition, it also helps protect the plant from pests and diseases.
3. Land preparation and layout
When the coffee trees are about to complete their time in the nursery, the land should be prepared for planting.
In this process, the planting system is determined, whether it will be full exposure or shaded, and which will be the layout of the land. If the system is shaded, the trees must be chosen and planted.
The layout process allows you to make the most of the land. In that way, it will avoid wasting space and help to ensure that the maximum number of trees per area can be planted.
4. Sow
When the soil has been prepared, the process of planting begins. A hole should be made approximately 40 cm deep and about 30 cm wide. In addition, it should have irregular walls and an uneven bottom to avoid waterlogging.
It is important that the trees are planted before the turnip reaches the bottom of the bag. When they are at that size, possible malformations after planting are avoided.
Also, the best plants should be chosen in terms of vigor, development and health. Coffee plants should be planted very carefully and when the rainy season begins.
The process that comes after planting is the care of the crops during their growth. Since they produce their first fruits until they finish their productive life. For this, it is important to constantly fertilize the land and properly conserve the soil. In addition, control of pests and diseases is key.
Coffee planting seasons in Colombia
In Colombia, the time of planting coffee trees is defined according to the distribution of rainfall throughout the year. Being on the Equator, Colombia does not have seasons, but it does have dry and rainy seasons. These, in turn, depend on the latitudes in which each region is located.
Let’s now see the case of each zone!
- Northern zone at latitudes above 7°: the dry season is from December to April and the wet season from May to November.
- Central zone at latitudes between 3° and 7°: it is a little different because rather than having a dry season, it has two not-so-rainy periods. These are from February to March and July to August. Its two rainy seasons are from April to May and October to November.
- Southern zone at latitudes below 3°: the dry season is from June to September and the wet season from October to May.
Coffee should be planted when the rainy season begins. This allows it to later have the water and nutrients necessary for its development.
Since the El Niño and La Niña phenomena are present in Colombia, special care and recommendations should be taken with crops.
El Niño
It is characterized by being a dry period, so it affects coffee planting more than La Niña.
During El Niño, it is not recommended to plant coffee trees because they may die in the field. It is also advisable to plant under shade and conserve soil moisture with a dead vegetative cover or mulch under the plants.
La Niña
As for La Niña, since it brings rainy periods, it generally does not present many risks to coffee plants. The plants can be planted, at the right times, even during the La Niña phenomenon.
However, it is important to clarify that, just as very dry periods bring problems, so do very rainy ones. When there is an oversaturation of the soil caused by high rainfall, the development of the trees is limited. This results in plants with nutrient deficiencies, poor shoot development, low fruit quality, etc.
Coffee growing areas in Colombia
It is not for nothing that Colombia is the 3rd largest producer of coffee in the world. This country not only produces and exports a significant amount of coffee but also it is one of the best quality.
Colombia was geographically privileged to have 3 mountain ranges: the Western, Central, and Eastern. These cross the country from north to south and are branches of the great mountain range of the Andes. This mountain range allows coffee to be planted and cultivated throughout the country, and in optimal conditions.
According to the national data compilation carried out by the National Federation of Coffee Growers, the departments that produce coffee in Colombia are:
- Antioquia
- Boyacá
- Caldas
- Caquetá
- Casanare
- Cauca
- Cesar
- Cundinamarca
- Huila
- La Guajira
- Magdalena
- Meta
- Nariño
- Norte de Santander
- Quindío
- Risaralda
- Santander
- Tolima
- Valle del Cauca
On the other hand, the country has also been divided into coffee zones as follows: north, center, and south. Within the zones, various departments are grouped.
Although each region plays an important role as a coffee producer, there are some departments that stand out more than others for their quality and quantity. Let’s get to know them!
North zone
In terms of coffee producers, this geographical area includes the departments of La Guajira, Cesar, Magdalena, Norte de Santander, and Santander.
Norte de Santander
| Location | Northeast of the country, part of the Andean region. It is bordered to the north and east by Venezuela, to the south by Boyacá, to the southwest by Santander, and to the west by Cesar. |
| Hectares of coffee | Approximately 23.027 hectares are dedicated to the cultivation of coffee, which are distributed in 17.367 coffee farms. |
| Altitude | Between 1,200 and 1,900 meters (3937-6233 ft) above sea level. |
| Temperature | 19° to 24°C / 66 to 75 °F. |
| Harvest season | March, April, May, and October, November, December. |
| Varieties grown | Típica, Caturra, Colombia and Castillo. |
| Cultivation system | Thanks to its soils and climatic diversity, the crops are: under shade, semi-shade, and full exposure. |
The coffee from Norte de Santander is considered one of the best quality coffees. It gives a balanced and uniform cup, but at the same time, with good body and medium acidity. It has sweet, floral, fruity, chocolate and nutty notes.
In addition, several crops are Rainforest Alliance and Standard 4C certified. These certifications prove that the crops are developed under environmental, social, and economic sustainability standards.
Magdalena
| Location | North of the country, part of the Caribbean region. It borders the Caribbean Sea, the departments of La Guajira, Bolivar, Cesar, and Atlantico. The coffee-growing area of this department is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. |
| Hectares of coffee | Approximately 17.958 hectares are dedicated to the cultivation of coffee, which are distributed in 5.213 coffee farms. |
| Altitude | Depends on the area, but ranges between 900 and 2.200 meters (2952 – 7217 ft) a.s.l. |
| Temperature | On average it is about 21°C – 70 °F. |
| Harvest season | November, December, and January |
| Varieties grown | Típica, Caturra and Colombia, Castillo, Cenicafé 1 and Tabí. |
| Cultivation system | Due to the high solar radiation, 93% of the cultivated area has total or partial shade. |
In the department of Magdalena, the municipalities that make up the coffee-growing area are Ciénaga, Santa Marta, Fundación, and Aracataca. In addition, they occur mainly in the vicinity and parts of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Due to its location, in some areas coffee is produced at lower altitudes compared to other coffee-growing regions.
On the other hand, unlike the center and south of the country, in Magdalena, most of the crops are under shade. These conditions make the department one of the best known for the production of specialty coffees. This concept refers to beans that have a unique flavor and characteristics thanks to the particularities of their cultivation.
Magdalena is also well known for its organic coffees and crops managed by ancestral indigenous tribes such as the Arhuacos and the Koguis, among others. One example is ANEI coffee, produced by an organization made up of 700 coffee-growing families belonging to diverse ethnic groups in the region. They specialize in specialty and origin coffees, with multiple certifications of sustainability and fair trade. In addition to having export coffee that has reached countries like Canada, the United States, Germany, among others.
Central zone
This geographical area includes the largest number of coffee-growing departments in the country, which are Boyacá, Antioquia, Caldas, Casanare, Cundinamarca, Meta, Quindío, Risaralda and Tolima. Let’s see now which are the most outstanding.
Cundinamarca
| Location | Center of the country, on the eastern mountain range of the Andes, Cundinamarca is part of the Andean region. Coffee is grown on the slopes of this mountain range. |
| Hectares of coffee | Approximately 30.307 hectares are dedicated to the cultivation of coffee, which are distributed in 32.151 coffee farms. |
| Altitude | Between 1,300 and 1,900 meters (4265-6233 ft) above sea level. |
| Temperature | On average it is about 21 °C – 70 °F. |
| Harvest season | March, May, June, and October, November, December. |
| Varieties grown | Típica, Caturra and Colombia. |
| Cultivation system | Shaded. Native species are used, such as Carbonero trees, Càmbulos, Flormorados, etc. |
Cundinamarca is considered to be in a privileged geographical position. It is a region with rich biodiversity that offers a wide variety of soils, thermal floors, and tropical climates. For this reason, it offers ideal conditions for the development of coffee growing.
It produces a coffee recognized for being of excellent quality, and for having a very good aroma, body, and acidity. On several occasions, the coffee growers of the department have been awarded in various categories of contests organized by the National Federation of Coffee Growers.
The use of shade as a cultivation system has also been a determining factor in coffee quality. It acts as a regulator and protects the soil. In addition, it also influences the cup profile of the coffee and its tasting notes. These are sweet, with a hint of caramel and a slight citrus flavor.
Tolima
| Location | Center-west of the country, on the central mountain range of the Andes, part of the Andean region. The coffee-growing zone is located in two parts: on the slopes of the central mountain range and on the eastern slopes. This gives a greater diversity to the coffee produced. |
| Hectares of coffee | Approximately 108.166 hectares are dedicated to the cultivation of coffee, which are distributed in 70.379 coffee farms. |
| Altitude | Between 1,400 and 1,800 meters (4593-5905 ft) above sea level. |
| Temperature | It depends on the municipality, but it is between 14° and 25 °C (57° and 77 °F). |
| Harvest season | March, April, May, June, and November, December, January. |
| Varieties grown | Castillo, Colombia, Tabi, Caturra, Catimore, Típica. |
| Cultivation system | Shaded and free exposure. |
Tolima occupies 3rd place nationally as a coffee producer. Of its 47 municipalities, 38 grow coffee. It is one of the departments with more varieties and diversity of ecosystems since it comprises two mountain ranges.
Coffee, apart from being an important part of the economy, is also important for the social structure. The coffee growers in the region are mostly peasant families who in many cases depend directly on this activity.
This is one of the reasons why coffee cooperatives and entities are increasingly concerned about the field and its conditions. In this way initiatives for the renovation, maintenance and improvement of the coffee crops are born. They also guarantee the quality with which the coffee of Tolima is known.
The coffee from this department is characterized by citric, sweet, and fruity flavor notes. It also has a good body and a high acidity.
On the other hand, many coffee producers of Tolima have been awarded in various competitions, including international ones. For example, the company Racafé won first place in the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) specialty coffee contest.
Antioquia
| Location | Northwest of the country, part of the Andean and Caribbean region. It is located in the Central and Western Cordillera. Of its 125 municipalities, 94 are coffee growing. The southwest of the department is part of the Colombian Coffee Axis. |
| Hectares of coffee | Approximately 119.155 hectares are dedicated to the cultivation of coffee, which are distributed in 99.784 coffee farms. |
| Altitude | Between 1,300 and 1,900 meters (4265-6233 ft) above sea level. |
| Temperature | It depends on the municipality, but the average temperature is 23 °C – 73 ºF. |
| Harvest season | October, November, December, and March, April, May. |
| Varieties grown | Castillo, Colombia, Specialty, Caturra, Cenicafé, among others. |
| Cultivation system | Shaded and free exposure. Its slopes and soils with volcanic components allow the cultivation of free exposure. |
Antioquia is one of the departments best known for its coffee culture. Its tradition with coffee has existed for more than 180 years, which is reflected in the excellent quality of its crops. As in many areas of Colombia, it is an activity mainly carried out by the peasant families of the department. Most of them make a living from it.
The main entity of the coffee union, the National Federation of Coffee Growers, was founded in Antioquia and, for the most part, by Antioqueños.
The department is the second-largest producer of coffee in the country. This is recognized for citric and sweet flavor notes. Besides having a good body and a fruity aroma.
In addition, like many other departments, it has a social and environmental commitment through certifications such as the Rainforest Alliance seal. This is reflected in the support given by the coffee guild to coffee growers. The guild supports not only in terms of crops with renewal programs and crop improvement but also in terms of the life quality of the people.
The region is also known for the production of the best specialty coffees. An example of outstanding brands of the region are Café Don Rafa, Café Travesía, Café Los Frailes, among others.
Caldas
| Location | Center of the country, part of the Andean region. It borders Antioquia, Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Tolima and Risaralda. It is mainly located in the Central mountain range, but also in part of the Western mountain range. It is one of the departments of the Eje Cafetero. Of its 27 municipalities, 25 grow coffee. |
| Hectares of coffee | Approximately 63.051 hectares are dedicated to the cultivation of coffee, which are distributed in 40.729 coffee farms. |
| Altitude | Between 1,200 and 2,000 meters (3937-6561 ft) above sea level. Most of the crops are between 1,400 and 1,800 meters (4593-5905 ft) above sea level. |
| Temperature | It depends on the municipality, but the average temperature is 25°C – 77 ºF. |
| Harvest season | October, November, December, and April, May, June. |
| Varieties grown | Castillo, Colombia, Caturra, Típica, specialty, among others. |
| Cultivation system | Shaded and free exposure. Coffee is mainly produced on hillsides. |
Caldas is the 5th largest producer of coffee in the country. It contributes approximately 8.7% of the total national production.
The department belongs to one of the most important Colombian regions in terms of coffee: the Eje Cafetero. It is not only known for its high quality but also for the good management of crops and soil. It stands out for the constant renovation of the coffee plantations, maintaining high percentages of young and technified crops. It is also part of the Coffee Cultural Landscape, declared Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
The coffee guild has promoted different competitions and contests related to coffee in the department. This helps to give recognition to the quality of coffee in the region. It also serves as an incentive for coffee farms to be increasingly concerned about improving the quality of their crops.
Caldas also stands out for being the place where Specialty Coffees, an initiative of the National Federation of Coffee Growers, began. This consists of providing producers with what is necessary to know and apply good cultivation practices, sustainable standards, and plant good coffee. All with the objective of being more competitive in the market and being able to produce better quality and specialty coffees.
The coffee from this department is characterized by its fruity and herbal notes. Besides having a medium body and acidity.
Quindío
| Location | Center-west of the country. It borders Tolima, Risaralda and Valle del Cauca. It is located in the Central Mountain Range and is part of the Andean region. It is one of the departments of the Eje Cafetero. All of its 12 municipalities grow coffee. |
| Hectares of coffee | Approximately 20,022 hectares are dedicated to the cultivation of coffee, which are distributed in 5,651 coffee farms. |
| Altitude | Between 1,000 and 1,600 meters (3280-5249 ft) above sea level. |
| Temperature | It depends on the municipality, but on average it is around 20°C (68°F). |
| Harvest season | March, April, May, and October, November, December. |
| Varieties grown | Castillo, Colombia, Caturra, Típica, Specialty, among others. |
| Cultivation system | Mainly free exposure. Most of the soils are of volcanic origin. |
Despite being the smallest department in the continental area of Colombia, Quindio is very famous and important for its coffee. It is part of the Coffee Cultural Landscape, declared Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
The department is characterized by using mainly traditional methods of cultivation. However, in recent years it has implemented improvements and innovations to production techniques, which has increased its productivity.
Like other municipalities, it also has certified coffees with seals such as Rainforest Alliance and Standard 4C. In addition, many coffees produced in Quindío have been awarded and recognized for their quality, both nationally and internationally. Some examples are La Morelia, Amor Perfecto, Café Jesús Martín, Café San Alberto, among others.
The coffee from this department is characterized by its fruity and herbal notes. Besides having a medium body and acidity.
Risaralda
| Location | Center-west of the country. It borders Antioquia, Tolima, Quindio, Caldas, Valle del Cauca and Choco. It is located in the Central and Western Cordillera and is part of the Andean region. It is one of the departments of the Eje Cafetero. All of its 14 municipalities grow coffee. |
| Hectares of coffee | Approximately 45.126 hectares are dedicated to the cultivation of coffee, which are distributed in 24.399 coffee farms. |
| Altitude | Between 1,000 and 2,000 meters (3280-6561 ft) above sea level. |
| Temperature | Depends on the municipality, but on average it would be around 25°C (77°F). |
| Harvest season | October, November, December, and April, May, June. |
| Varieties grown | Castillo, Colombia, Caturra, Típica, Specialty, among others. |
| Cultivation system | Shade, semi-shade, and free exposure. |
Risaralda is also part of the famous Colombian Coffee Axis. In addition, its territory is also within the Coffee Cultural Landscape, declared Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. So it is definitely one of the most important Colombian places when it comes to coffee. It is not only one of the largest producers, but also one of the highest quality. Its crops are among the most technified and use an important variety of systems.
As in other municipalities, it has a long and important coffee-growing tradition. The main coffee growers are families that for a long time have been dedicated to this activity. It is the main agricultural activity of the department.
The coffee is characterized by fruity and herbal notes. Besides having a medium body and medium acidity.
South zone
This geographical area includes the following coffee-growing departments: Caquetá, Cauca, Valle del Cauca, Nariño, and Huila. Let’s review the most prominent.
Huila
| Location | Southwest of the country. It borders Tolima, Cauca, Caquetá, Cundinamarca and Meta. It is located in the Central and Eastern Cordillera and is part of the Andean region. Of its 37 municipalities, 35 grow coffee. |
| Hectares of coffee | Approximately 144.895 hectares are dedicated to the cultivation of coffee, which are distributed in 100.903 coffee farms. |
| Altitude | Between 1,300 and 1,700 meters (4265-5577 ft) above sea level. |
| Temperature | It depends on the municipality, but on average it would be about 21°C – 70 °F. |
| Harvest season | April, May, June, and October, November, December. |
| Varieties grown | Castillo, Colombia, Caturra, Típica, Borbón, Tabi, among others. |
| Cultivation system | Mainly free exposure, but also shades. There are soils of volcanic origin as well. |
Huila is the main producer of coffee in Colombia, surpassing the best-known coffee-growing department: Antioquia. Its crops are recognized for producing coffee of excellent quality and flavor. It has a high rate of technification as well as a great commitment to the coffee growers and the renovation of the coffee plantations.
The coffee guild has been concerned about maintaining the best conditions and quality of coffee in the area. That is why they produce crops under the Rainforest and UTZ seals. Both certifications guarantee that the coffee is not only of high quality but that it was cultivated under good agricultural practices and the best environmental and social conditions.
Its coffee of great flavor and aroma is recognized nationally and internationally. It is characterized by sweet and wine notes, as well as a medium-high acidity.
Valle del Cauca
| Location | Southwest of the country. It borders Tolima, Cauca, Risaralda, Chocó and Quindío. It is located in the Central Mountain Range and is part of the Andean and Pacific region. Of its 42 municipalities, 39 grow coffee. |
| Hectares of coffee | Approximately 52.411 hectares are dedicated to the cultivation of coffee, which are distributed in 25.017 coffee farms. |
| Altitude | Between 1,100 and 1,600 meters (3608-5249 ft) above sea level. |
| Temperature | It depends on the municipality, but on average it is about 22°C – 71 °F. |
| Harvest season | March, April, May and November, December, January. |
| Varieties grown | Castillo, Colombia, Gesha, among others |
| Cultivation system | Mainly free exposure, but also shaded. |
Generally, when one thinks of agriculture in Valle del Cauca, coffee doesn’t come up to mind. This is because the main agricultural product of the region is sugar cane. Despite this, coffee plays an important role especially in the rural mountain areas of the department. Moreover, it is the 6th largest producer of coffee in the country. Even, some parts of its territory are also within the Coffee Cultural Landscape, declared Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
The crops are grown on small plots of land worked by families and indigenous and Afro-descendant communities. The coffee guild has supported the region through differentiation and certification strategies. This in order to position the coffee of the Valley as one of the most sustainable (with seals such as the Rainforest and the 4C Standard) and of better quality.
The coffee is characterized by fruity, herbal, and sweet flavor notes with hints of caramel and sugar cane caramel -‘melao’. Besides having a medium body and medium acidity.
Cauca
| Location | southwest of the country. It borders Valle del Cauca, Tolima, Huila, Caquetá, Putumayo and Nariño. It is located in the Central and Eastern Cordillera. It is part of the Andean and Pacific region. Of its 42 municipalities, 32 grow coffee. |
| Hectares of coffee | Approximately 92.674 hectares are dedicated to the cultivation of coffee, which are distributed in 114.094 coffee farms. |
| Altitude | Average of 1,750 meters (5741 ft) above sea level. |
| Temperature | It depends on the municipality, but on average it is about 18°C (64°F). |
| Harvest season | April, May, and June. |
| Varieties grown | Caturra, Castillo, Colombia, Típica, Borbón, among others. |
| Cultivation system | Mainly free exposure. |
Cauca is the 4th largest coffee producer in Colombia. The indigenous communities are the ones dedicated to coffee production.
Growing it is an ancestral practice that comes from many generations ago. This is why the department is recognized for the great attention and care that coffee growers put into their crops.
Although they are generally small plantations, there is a deeply rooted coffee culture in the communities that grow it. This helps not only to strengthen the culture of the region but also the coffee goes through more rigorous and demanding stages. So it ends up being a coffee of excellent quality.
The coffee is characterized by notes of sweet and floral flavors, with hints of caramel. Besides having medium body and high acidity.
Nariño
| Location | Extreme southeast of the country. It borders Cauca, Putumayo, the Pacific Ocean and Ecuador. It is located in the Andes mountain range in the Nudo de los Pastos. Here, it separates and forms the 3 mountain ranges. It is part of the Andean and Pacific region. Of its 64 municipalities, 38 grow coffee. |
| Hectares of coffee | Approximately 36.159 hectares are dedicated to the cultivation of coffee, which are distributed in 54.045 coffee farms. |
| Altitude | 1,500 to 2,300 meters (4921-7545 ft) above sea level. |
| Temperature | It depends on the municipality, but the average temperature is 19.9 °C – 67.8 °F. |
| Harvest season | May, June, and January, February. |
| Varieties grown | Caturra, Colombia, Típica, among others. |
| Cultivation system | Mainly free exposure. |
Nariño is another major coffee producer in Colombia. This department also benefits geographically due to its varied topoclimates and microclimates. In addition, its mountainous zones and special topographic conditions make it possible to grow coffee at higher altitudes than normal, above 2,000 meters (6561 ft) above sea level.
Another aspect that reflects the quality of the coffee is the commitment of its farmers. They own small plots of land but are committed to making the most of their ancestral skills and knowledge. Thus, the result is a coffee of an excellent quality that has been treated with great care and passion.
The coffee is characterized by sweet and citric notes. Besides having good body and high acidity.
Once again, we could see that Colombia is a rich country, not only in biodiversity and culture, but also in coffee. The coffee sector in the country is definitely one of the most important and loved by Colombians. Each hacienda or producing farm is concerned about making the most of the country’s geography and thus have excellent crops.
Thanks to the tour we took through the coffee regions, we were also able to see why Colombian coffee is definitely one of the best.
We hope this guide has been useful for you to learn about coffee growing in Colombia and the process behind a delicious cup of coffee.
