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At Syra Coffee we like to accompany you through different origins, sensations and moments. But this time we will accompany youaround the world. As we have already told you in other articles, speciality coffee requires the dedication and care of the entire value chain, but it comes 100% from a single variety of bean: Arabica. This bean needs special orographic and climatic conditions that mean it can only be grown in very specific places on the planet. It is vulnerable to cold and insects. It needs altitudes of between 800 and 2400 metres above sea level, a cool subtropical climate with temperatures of between 15° and 24°C. Soil rich in nutrients, and a balance between sun and shade.

This makesit a treasure that only grows in very specific latitudes, close to the equator . Places that span 3 continents (or 4, depending on how you look at it), and a multitude of countries, with very different cultures, all united by the same plant: the coffee tree or coffee. Territories in Africa, Asia, Central America and South America. For now we will focus on the countries of the South American continent. We invite you to join us to get to know them, sograb your suitcase and your favourite cup and let's go on a trip!

Coffee from Brazil 

Let's start with the giant. The world's largest coffee producer and exporter. Almost 40% of the world's productioncomes from this South American country . Coffee culture is widespread, and it is very common to be offered a cup of coffee at any gathering. cafezinho. But as in everything else, when there is a lot of something, it is not all very good. Dealing with so much volume, mechanisation of processes has been inevitable for years. But that is not to say that Brazil does not produce great coffee. The truth is that due to the vastness of its territory, it is difficult not to find the necessary moderate temperatures. This, together with an appropriate amount of sunshine and rainfall, makes it agreat country to grow coffee.

The place with the highest concentration of crops is Minas Gerais, an inland state in the southeast of the country. is Minas Gerais, an inland state in the southeast of the country. It is worth noting that with the creation of the Coffee Quality Programme (CPQ), the government supports research and development in the coffee sector. the speciality coffee sector has grown significantly in recent years. in the last few years. With such a massive production, it is difficult to identify very specific qualities of Brazilian coffee. But we can say that its taste is rather sweet, similar to coffees from Africa, although with less acidity than these. It is also easy to appreciate a taste of cocoa and nuts, which makes it a very appetizing coffee. a very appetising coffee..

Venezuelan Coffee

A hundred years ago, cocoa and coffee were at the top of the country's production ranking, but this took a back seat when attention turned to another, darker and more economically valuable liquid: oil. Although its economic weight is no longer what it once was, coffee cultivation continues to be ofgreat social and cultural importance. As an example, coffee shops still lend a special charm to strolls through cities like Maracaibo. Maracaibo is a port city of strategic commercial importance for this South American country. Production is carried out with almost no mechanical help, and the plantations are in the hands of families who take care of their crops with hired labour at the time.Speciality coffee began to take its first steps in Venezuela in 2010, sothere are still few farms dedicated to it. Venezuelan coffees are characterised by being smooth, with aromas of red fruits, citric acidity, and a very pleasant chocolate aftertaste.

Coffee from Peru 

Coffee is Peru's main agricultural export. The country's coffee plantations are spread mainly in the Andes, with crops grown at altitudes of between 1000 and 1800 metres. This gives them an excellent reputation, as the quality of the coffee is often accompanied by crops grown at altitudes above 1000 metres. The higher the altitude, the longer the ripening and development time, so the more intense the flavours after harvest . Who knows if the Incas would be proud to see that Peru is the world's largest exporter of organic Arabica coffee. Some of the most amazing specialty coffees in South America, with balanced flavour and acidity, come from small Peruvian farmers .

Coffee from Ecuador 

It is a poetic decision to place Ecuador in the middle of this list. It could not be otherwise. It is acountry that enjoys very special conditions, with volcanic soils, lots of sun and rain. And altitudes of up to 2000 metres. Coffee was a very important trade for decades. Although it was badly affected during the 1980s and 1990s, the sector is now recovering.Along with cocoa, bananas, mangoes, citrus and other plant varieties, coffee is once again an important economic engine for the country. The fact that these species are grown together to provide shade makes for a curious crossover of flavours. It is therefore not uncommon to detect fruity, floral or chocolate notes in Ecuadorian coffees.

Bolivian Coffee 

The amount of coffee production in La Paz, relative to the rest of the country, is overwhelming. Ninety-five percent of the harvest comes from this region . A tropical South American country like this one, which combines heat and humidity, has to be among the world's leading coffee producers. In the Bolivian coffee, we find a coffee with a clean taste, delicate acidity and aromas with fruity notes.

Colombian Coffee. D.O.  

The last port of call, one of the first countries that come to mind when thinking of coffee. The world's third largest producerbehind Brazil and Vietnamis undoubtedly one of the countries that has done the best job of promoting the image of coffee. Who does not have in mind the countryman with the affable face and the bushy mustache? Juan Valdez? Accompanied by his mule Conchita, carrying a couple of sacks, of course.

And if you're wondering, no. Although he could be, he is not a real person. Juan was created in 1958 to decorate the logo of the Colombian National Coffee Federation (FNC). We are talking about the only country in South America with a Designation of Origin recognised by the European Union: "Café de Colombia". It is granted to 100% Arabica coffee, grown in the Andean mountain ranges, in plantations that can reach more than 2,000 metres above sea level.

Ninety-five percent of the producers are small farmers who usemanual harvesting techniques. The fame and impact of Colombian coffees crosses all borders, being mild, with great aroma and flavour, as well as a slight acidity. And so much for this journey through South American coffee. Soon we will explore other continents and flavours. As you may have deduced, at the end of the day, talking about the best speciality coffee must be done in very relative terms. Because what there is no doubt about is that the best is always and always will be the one you like the most.

Your favourite

The best we can do is to provide you with information about each of them, all of which are excellent. Try them little by little, and decide which ones you like best. To do so, we encourage you to check our catalogue, where you will always find the most highly rated speciality coffees, of different varieties and origins. of different varieties and origins.. It's just a matter of time to find the one that suits you best. With your moment and your palate.

And believe us, the process, like a good journey, is worth it. Discover our coffees here.