Coffee and local produce
When talking about wine, the term terroir is essential. It's exactly the same for coffee. Climate, altitude, soil type, and surrounding biodiversity all directly influence the aromas you'll find in your cup. Understanding the role of terroir helps you better understand why each coffee is unique.
What is terroir in coffee?
Terroir refers to the natural conditions in which the coffee plant grows: soil, altitude, climate, sun exposure, but also the surrounding plants, seasonal variations, and even the way the plots are managed by producers. It is the combination of these factors that gives the coffee its unique character.
How does terroir influence taste?
- The climate: a marked alternation between hot days and cool nights favors the development of organic acids which bring liveliness and complexity to the palate.
- Altitude: The higher the coffee is grown, the slower it matures. This results in denser, sugar-rich beans, often with a more elegant acidity and floral or fruity notes.
- Soil: The mineral composition of the soil influences the nutrition of the coffee plant. Some volcanic soils, rich in minerals, promote particularly expressive profiles.
- Biodiversity: A farm surrounded by trees or other crops (banana trees, avocados) protects the coffee trees and can enrich the aromatic complexity of the beans.
Emblematic terroirs and typical aromatic profiles
| Region | Specific terroir | Typical aromatic profile |
|---|---|---|
| Ethiopia (Yirgacheffe) | High altitude, temperate climate, rich soils | Floral notes, citrus, tea |
| Colombia (Huila) | Volcanic soils, high altitude | Caramel, red fruits, lively acidity |
| Kenya (Nyeri) | High altitude, red volcanic soils | Red fruits, blackcurrant, bright acidity |
| Brazil (Minas Gerais) | Moderate altitude, warm climate | Hazelnut, chocolate, low acidity |
These profiles are not fixed: each farm, each plot can develop its own subtleties. But they provide an initial idea of the impact of the terroir.
Why is it important when choosing your coffee?
Knowing a coffee's terroir helps you anticipate its style before you even taste it. Looking for a smooth, chocolatey coffee? Look to Brazilian coffees. Want a bright, floral, and complex cup? Look to Ethiopia or Kenya.
Furthermore, highlighting the terroir is an approach specific to specialty coffee: it shows that the product is respected at every stage, from the bean to the cup.
Conclusion
Each terroir tells a unique story through its coffee. By discovering these subtleties, you will not only learn to better choose your coffee, but also to appreciate the full richness of this living product. Exploring terroirs is like traveling without leaving your cup.
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