Colombia’s Unique Coffee Culture
As one of the world’s top coffee producers and exporters, Colombia has an impressive coffee culture which is deeply engrained in the national identity and pride of its citizens. Wherever you go in Colombia, you’re likely to find people making and drinking coffee. From coffee plantations on the rolling hillsides of the Andes, to the hustle and bustle of the bustling city cafés of Bogotá, the coffee tradition runs deep in Colombia.
In Colombians’ everyday lives, coffee isn’t just a beverage – it’s also a ritual and a way to mark time and create connection. Coffee culture is so embedded in Colombian life that it has become part of the national character. As Pablo Cabrera, a Colombian coffee expert, explains, “Coffee is more than a traditional product – it’s a shared experience that binds us together as a people.”
So, how do Colombians drink coffee? Generally, Colombian coffee is freshly brewed, strong and dark. Traditionally, it is consumed black or with a dash of unrefined panela sugar.
In cities and towns across the country, the café culture is alive and thriving. Whether it’s a small mom and pop café at the corner of a bustling intersection, or the more modern specialty coffee shop on the corner serving up pour overs and pour-overs-style coffee, locals tend to linger and make coffee drinking a social event.
The brew of choice is typically tinto, which is similar in strength to Americano or espresso. Tinto is usually served in a small cup, similar to an espresso cup, and can be enjoyed alongside a snack – usually a sweet pastry – or enjoyed solo. For those looking for something a bit milder, café con leche is also a fan favorite and is typically made by adding equal parts of hot water and hot milk to strong, freshly brewed coffee.
Coffee consumption isn’t just limited to morning and midday – Colombians often drink coffee throughout the day, or even as a late-night drink or snack. Café con leche and tinto are often enjoyed in the evening or after dinner, accompanied by a sweet treat like pan de bono or buñuelos. The options for indulging in coffee culture in Colombia are endless!
Coffee Rituals
Coffee is more than just a beverage in Colombia – it’s an ritual that involves friends and family gathering to share conversation and connection. Coffee drinking can often be the centerpiece of social occasions. Popular Colombian gatherings such as Feria de las Flores or Carnaval are centered around the tradition of drinking tinto.
In smaller towns and rural areas, coffee rituals often take place in the home. Preparing coffee is generally a shared experience, with a family member or friend acting as the barista as everyone else takes part in the process. Whether it’s toasting the beans, grinding them or pouring the hot water, coffee preparation is often a communal activity.
In the home, tinto is still the drink of choice and can be enjoyed at any time of the day, either alone or with friends or family. Café con leche is also a popular drink, especially among the younger crowd. And of course, no Colombian coffee ritual would be complete without traditional snacks, like crispy buñuelos or sweet pan de bono.
Exploring Coffee Regions
Colombia is a land of incredible diversity, with a wide range of climates and topographies, each of which is home to different types of coffee production. A visit to one of Colombia’s many coffee regions is a great way to gain an understanding of the history and culture of the bean.
The main coffee regions in Colombia include Huila and Cauca, located in the south of the country; Antioquia, located in the north; and the Zona Cafetera, located in the west. Each region has its own unique flavor and terroir, yielding beans with distinct and contrasting characteristics.
In addition to exploring the traditional coffee farms and plantations, visitors can gain insight into the production process by attending cupping sessions, visiting the laboratories of local roasters, and attending events and festivals celebrating all things coffee. These experiences are an integral part of discovering the unique Caribbean nuances and flavours of Colombian coffee.
Sustainable Coffee Farming
Sustainability has always been a priority for coffee farmers in Colombia, who take pride in caring for the land and environment as they harvest their beans. To ensure quality, coffee is shade-grown, meaning the coffee plants are grown beneath the trees to protect them from the sun and preserve their natural flavours.
In recent years, many coffee farmers in Colombia have taken it upon themselves to ensure their crops are produced in a sustainable and responsible manner. From recycling to crop diversification and water conservation, these sustainable practices ensure that the farmers’ practices are not only sustainable but also efficient.
As a result of these practices, Colombian coffee has become highly revered – and rightly so. The country’s commitment to sustainability has made it a model for other coffee growers around the world.
Specialty Coffee
As coffee consumption has grown in Colombia, so too has the specialty coffee sector. In recent years, specialty coffee has taken Colombia by storm, with consumers increasingly seeking out drinks made with freshly-picked beans and unique flavor notes. This trend of drinking specialty coffee has been embraced by Colombians of all ages, with the sector now playing an important role in the country’s culture.
A number of craft roasters have sprung up in recent years, while the leading homegrown specialty coffee shops tend to offer brews from around the world. With a wide range of unique flavors available, specialty coffee has become a popular way for Colombians to explore the world of coffee and appreciate the country’s rich coffee culture.
Sipping Colombian Coffee
Whether it’s enjoyed in the home, in a café, or during a special gathering, coffee drinking plays an important role in the life of Colombian citizens. From the traditional tinto or café con leche to unique specialty brews, the coffee scene in Colombia is a vibrant and growing part of the national culture.
For those wanting to experience the country’s coffee culture firsthand, visiting one of its many coffee regions is an ideal way to immerse oneself in the tradition. From the rolling hillsides of the Andes to the bustling city cafés of Bogotá, Colombia offers something for all coffee-lovers.
Health Benefits of Coffee
Not only is coffee a popular beverage in Colombia, but it’s also incredibly good for you. In addition to providing a boost of energy and improved focus, coffee is also rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body from free radical damage. In fact, studies show that drinking coffee on a regular basis can reduce your risk of certain types of cancer and chronic diseases such as type-2 diabetes and heart disease.
Coffee is also a great source of essential minerals, vitamins and other nutrients. This includes calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamin B3, which all help to maintain strong bones and healthy blood pressure. Consequently, drinking coffee is an excellent way to get nutrients that are essential for good health.
A Rich and Colourful Tradition
Colombia’s coffee culture is a rich and evolving part of the country’s national identity. From traditional tinto to specialty brews, drinking coffee is a ritual and a way of life for Colombians across the country. For those looking to experience Colombia’s unique and vibrant coffee culture, exploring one of its many coffee regions is an ideal way to immerse oneself.
From discovering the transformative power of sustainable farming to sampling the finest specialty brews, there’s a lot to explore – and much to enjoy – in the world of Colombian coffee.
