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The Taste of Coffee

What makes coffee taste so great? Two factors: the coffee cherry that nature provides, and the roasting method that man applies. As these two factors vary by region and method, every coffee has its own distinct flavours and tastes. Organic, citric, and malic acids all come into play, not to mention mineral salts, carbohydrates, and of course, aromatic oils. All this to say that the region, climate, culture, and treatment of the coffee bean will influence its taste. So, when speaking about taste, we must first learn about the coffee's origins.

 

Appreciation by Producing Countries

Brazil:

Even though almost all of Brazil's coffee production is based on arabica, the country offers very few high-quality coffees. Brazilian coffee is most commonly used as a neutral ingredient in blends. Bahia, Santos, and Sul Minas are among Brazil's best coffees.

Colombia:

Consistency in quality marks Colombian coffee. Coffee lovers appreciate them for their acidity, aroma, and mildness. Excelso and Supremo are the best Colombian grades.

Costa Rica:

Costa Rica cultivates an excellent washed coffee. It is well balanced, mild, and has excellent acidity. Dotas is more spicy and complex, and Bellavista is very elegant.

Ethiopia:

Ethiopia is first and foremost the producer of the famous Mocha. Sitting back in an Ethiopian café, one would notice the distinct wild flavour, an exotic taste with strong acidity. Harrar is an excellent Ethiopian coffee: it is very mild and aromatic.

Guatemala:

A subtle - yet distinct - smoky smell characterizes Guatemalan coffee. Many coffee professionals list Guatemalan coffee as their number one choice.

Hawaii:

Hawaiian coffee is nothing short of royalty in the kingdom of coffee. Some people praise it as the best in the world. Known for its mildness and acidity, Hawaiian coffee also offers a distinct peppery taste.

Indonesia:

Both Java and Sumatra are islands in Indonesia; both have had coffees named after them. Java coffee is usually spicy and strong and feels creamy in one's mouth; its acidity is well balanced. Sumatra coffee is not consistent. It might taste earthy or reveal exotic flavours, but there is not much body.

Jamaica:

Blue Mountain, the most famous — and most complete — coffee in the world, comes from Jamaica. Rich in flavour and aroma, it is also acidulous, chocolatey, and very mild.

Kenya:

Kenya offers one of the best coffees in the world. They are known for their aftertaste, acidity, and aroma.

Nicaragua:

Nicaragua produces mainly neutral coffees used in blends. However, the regions of Matgalpa, Jinotega and Nuovo Segovia produce coffees that rank among the world's best. Nicaraguan coffees are known for a subtle cognac taste.

Venezuela:

Venezuela produces a variety of coffees. Some are mild and don't have much body, while others are more creamy and have body. They are usually used in blends.

Yemen:

Just like Ethiopia, Yemen produces Mochas. Mattari and Sanani never disappoint. Sanani is characterized by a slightly spicy flavour with rich aromas. 

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