Mexico is known for its exquisite culinary tradition, vibrant street food scene, and fine craft beer. Yet, it’s also the birthplace of some of the world’s best coffee. The country has been cultivating coffee for more than 200 years and is today one of the largest producers of high-quality beans. Like many other parts of the world, coffee has become an essential part of Mexican culture, with its unique specialty brews stealing hearts globally.
Mexico has plenty of terrain and geographical diversity, which means that each region produces a distinct flavor profile. Located in the southern state of Chiapas, the Soconusco region holds coffee plantations that sit at the foot of the Tacana volcano – an idyllic location with warm temperatures, frequent rains, and fertile volcanic soils. Chiapas is known for the unique, bright, and fruity flavors of its beans, which are typically medium-bodied and acidic, with nutty and chocolate notes.
Further north, the state of Veracruz produces coffee that is superior in terms of aroma and flavor. The region’s coffees are grown in some of the highest altitudes in Mexico, allowing the beans to mature more slowly, resulting in more complex flavors. The coffees here have a light-to-medium body, rich aroma with a medium-to-high acidity, and a distinctive fruity and floral flavor.
Oaxaca, another southern state, has become a hub for high-quality specialty coffee. Its coffee-growing regions are filled with scenic mountain landscapes. These regions have strict altitudes of over 1,200 meters, which gives the beans a bright acidity and high-quality flavor profile. Oaxacan coffees are known for their medium-body, strong acidity, with flavors that range from chocolatey to fruity and floral.
In addition, Mexico has developed a unique traditional brewing method, called “café de olla.” The method involves preparing the coffee in an earthenware pot and adding cinnamon, cloves, and piloncillo – a type of dark brown sugar. The brew is then strained and served in small cups, resulting in a rich and aromatic flavor.
The specialty coffee scene in Mexico has grown significantly in recent years, thanks to coffee shops seeking out high-quality, single-origin beans, sourcing them directly from small growers and cooperatives. In recent years clusters and associations have formed that work together with their fellow growers to create a sustainable coffee industry. Today, the traditional flavors of Mexico are paired with advanced brewing techniques and turned into a wide range of delicious Mexico Coffee Specialty Coffee culture offers visitors a rare experience of getting up close and personal with the coffee journey from farm to cup. There are many coffee festivals throughout the year that provide visitors unique opportunities to engage with coffee makers and farmers. The festival of Nayarit Bean Coffee brings together coffee experts, baristas, roasters, and small coffee farmers. Visitors will get the chance to witness the process of bean roasting and try several specialty coffee flavors created by the experts.
In conclusion, exploring Mexico’s coffee heritage is a journey worth taking. The country offers an extensive range of unique coffee flavors, each one with its own distinct personality and characteristics. Savoring coffee from the different regions is an excellent way to engage with the country’s cultural heritage while enjoying the sweet aroma of fresh coffee.
