For many people, the first geographical association when thinking of coffee is Brazil and Colombia. This is a valid intuition – South American coffees have for years constituted a very important part of the overall market . A closer look at the list of coffee giants immediately reveals that the term "American coffee" doesn't refer exclusively to the southern part of the continent. Central American coffee is also very popular – beans from countries like Costa Rica and Guatemala are a valued raw material, used to prepare delicious coffee specialties.
In today's article , we explain what coffees from America are , how American coffee differs from coffees from other continents, and talk about the characteristics of beans from various countries located in this part of the globe.
How do coffees from South and Central America differ from coffees from Africa and Asia?
The taste of coffee from South or Central America will differ from that of African or Asian coffee. Interestingly, beans from the same country can differ in character depending on factors such as the region and plantation where they were grown. However, there are certain rules that indicate what characteristics to expect from coffee from a given country or continent . Let's take a closer look at coffees from South America, Central America, Africa, and Asia.
South American coffees – classic balance accompanied by nutty and chocolate notes
Lovers of harmonious and well-balanced coffee compositions readily reach for coffees from South America. Beans from this region are distinguished by notes such as:
- nuts,
- caramel,
- chocolate,
- red fruits.
The coffee offered by South America is the perfect solution for coffee lovers who prefer a classic brew style .
Coffees from Central America – every country, every custom!
Central America, bordering South America, is home to numerous coffee-producing countries. Due to its diverse terroir, coffees from these regions are characterized by great diversity. Which Central American coffee should you choose? If you enjoy sweet and fruity coffees, choose beans from Costa Rica ; if you prefer more chocolatey and caramel notes, coffees from El Salvador and Honduras are a better choice. Panama is also an interesting destination, producing prized beans characterized by predominantly floral accents.
Coffees from Africa – the power of exoticism in your cup
African beans are often chosen by those who value qualities that deviate from the classic coffee canon. African coffees are typically characterized by a rich flavor and aroma, including noticeable fruity and floral notes, and higher acidity than typically found in American coffees.
Coffees from Asia – a proposition for lovers of a heavier body
Asian coffees are considered pleasantly heavy due to their body. It's widely believed that they are distinguished by a certain earthiness, noticeable bitterness, low acidity, and spicy, chocolate-caramel notes . However, the range of Asian coffees is expanding, and now you can find coffees from that region that surprise with their fruity character.
What are American coffees like depending on their country of origin?
As mentioned earlier, coffee beans are assigned certain characteristics based on the continent where they are grown, the country, and the specific region or plantation. If you want to answer the question of what the best coffee from America is, you should familiarize yourself with the characteristics of beans from the leading producing countries in this part of the world .
South America
Brazil is the undisputed leader in the coffee-producing market . This country's hallmark is its exceptional Arabica coffees, which delight coffee lovers worldwide, including those in Poland. Brazilian bean compositions are typically characterized by a pleasant sweetness, a moderate acidity, and notes reminiscent of dark chocolate, nutty sweetness, or appetizing caramel . Brazilian coffee beans are an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the classic taste of a good brew.
Colombia is the second-leading coffee producer in South America. Colombian coffees are renowned for their exceptionally high, consistent quality and intense aroma. Coffee beans from Colombia are typically characterized by a mild character, delicate sweetness, and subtle, balanced acidity. Those who wish to sample a brew made from Colombian beans can expect chocolate, caramel, nutty, and citrus notes.
A slightly lesser-known, but still noteworthy, coffee producer is Peru. Peruvian beans are typically distinguished by a pleasant sweetness, light body, and very mild acidity. Perceptible notes include nuts, fruit, jasmine, and vanilla.
Central America
As mentioned, Central America is rich in coffee-producing countries. These include Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, and Panama. In our opinion , coffee from two of these countries, Costa Rica and Guatemala, deserve special attention .
Costa Rica is considered the home of exceptional coffees. Many of the beans produced here are designated as SHB—a designation for beans grown at an altitude of at least 1,370 meters above sea level. This growing location allows for a deep and complex flavor profile that lingers long on the palate . Costa Rican coffees are renowned for their light, refreshing acidity and intense notes of chocolate, nuttiness, and citrus.
Guatemala is a country characterized by a diverse terrain and climate conducive to coffee cultivation. It is renowned for its exquisite Arabicas, distinguished by their distinctive acidity coupled with intense sweetness and a complex sensory profile encompassing mild fruity notes as well as sharper accents reminiscent of spices and herbs. Coffee from Guatemala often delights coffee drinkers with notes of coconut and caramel, as well as an intriguing, smoky aftertaste.
Which American coffee should you choose to please yourself?
Choosing the right American coffee depends largely on your preferences. If you're looking for a classic coffee experience, we recommend Brazilian or Colombian Arabica . However, if you're looking for more adventurous, fruity blends with a richer flavor, explore Guatemalan and Costa Rican coffees. To experience the full character of beans from a particular corner of the world, consider our roastery's Single Origin coffees . You'll find a wide variety of options, sure to find one you'll fall in love with for a long time .
Summary
You now know what distinguishes South and Central American coffees and how they compare to coffees from other continents. Our LaCava coffee roastery offers a wide selection of American coffees , including exceptional specialty coffees . By shopping on our website, you can get products such as:
At LaCava, we offer a variety of freshly roasted coffees, including those ideal for espresso machines and those designed for pour-over brewing .
We invite you to familiarize yourself with our offer.
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