Coffee, one of the world's favorite beverages, has a diverse history that is deeply entwined with the regions where it is grown. From the peaks of the Andes in Peru to the slopes of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and the Central Highlands of Vietnam, each coffee-growing region offers its own unique flavors and characteristics.
Each bag of Enderly Coffee has the unique flavor profile listed on the front
At Enderly Coffee, we source some of the best beans from all over the world. Not only that, we also ensure that the coffee we are sourcing is supporting the local communities it grows in. Too often, especially here in the US, we focus on the end of the coffee supply chain.
You know that line on our bags that says “Notes” and gives you a few flavor profiles? Those profiles are distinct to the specific region, elevation, soil, climate (and more!) that the coffee is grown in.
In this post, we want to take you to the source of your favorite morning brew to give you a better appreciation for the complexity and diversity of the industry.
Central and South America
Nestled among a number of beautiful mountain ranges and lush rainforests, Central and South America is renowned for producing some of the finest Arabica beans in the world.
Countries like Colombia, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Guatemala dominate the coffee market with their high-quality offerings. Colombian coffee, with its mild acidity and rich flavor profile, is sought after by coffee enthusiasts worldwide. Brazil, the largest coffee producer globally, is celebrated for its smooth, nutty flavors, while Costa Rican coffee stimulates the taste buds with its bright acidity and floral undertones. Guatemala's volcanic soil gives a distinctive sweetness to its coffee, making them a favorite among connoisseurs.
Photo from the Ramirez family farm in Colombia – from one of Enderly’s Limited Release partners, Carolina Ramire
Together, these countries (plus many others in the region) form the backbone of the specialty coffee industry, consistently delivering beans of exceptional quality and flavor.
Central and South American Coffee at Enderly:
Guatemala - Finca de Leiva’s - Light Roast
Guatemala - Finca de Leiva’s - Dark Roast
Africa
Africa, the birthplace of coffee, has a rich coffee heritage dating back centuries.
Ethiopia, the birthplace of Arabica coffee, offers a delicious variety of flavors, from the fruity and wine-like notes of Yirgacheffe to the earthy richness of Sidamo. Kenyan coffee is prized for its bright acidity, full body, and complex flavor profile, often characterized by hints of black currant and citrus. Tanzania's coffee, grown on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, captivates the pallet with its delicate floral aromas and vibrant acidity.
Ethiopian women transplanting new coffee trees for the next generation of coffee! Image copyright: USAID Agrilinks. All rights reserved
African coffees are celebrated for their diversity and uniqueness, reflecting the continent's rich geography and centuries-old traditions of coffee cultivation.
African Coffee at Enderly:
Asia
Asia, with its lush landscapes and tropical climate, is home to some of the world's most distinctive coffee-growing regions.
Indonesia, particularly Sumatra and Java, is renowned for its production of Robusta beans, prized for their bold flavors, heavy body and enhanced caffeine content. Indonesian coffees often have earthy, spicy notes with a hint of sweetness, making them a favorite choice for espresso blends. Vietnam, emerging as a major player in the coffee industry, is celebrated for its Robusta beans, known for their strong, chocolatey flavors and pleasant bitterness.
The lush landscape of a coffee farm in Papua New Guinea, where we source our Wahgi Valley coffee. Photo courtesy of Rita Willaert for Flickr
Overall, Asian coffees offer a unique taste experience, showcasing the region's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Asian Coffee at Enderly:
Now that you have a better understanding of the coffee-growing regions of Central and South America, Africa, and Asia, hopefully it's become more evident that each region contributes its own distinct flavors and characteristics to the world of coffee.
Whether you prefer the bright acidity of a Kenyan brew, the smooth richness of a Brazilian roast, or the bold intensity of an Indonesian coffee, there's a world of flavor waiting to be explored in every cup. So, the next time you savor your morning brew, take a moment to appreciate the journey that brought those beans from distant lands to your cup, and revel in the rich flavors that coffee has to offer.
