How Colombia Developed Coffee
The history of coffee in Colombia is a rich tale woven from a long journey that began over three centuries ago, specifically in 1723, when the Catholic monk "Jesús Manuel Sánchez" arrived in Colombia carrying seven coffee seeds from neighboring Ecuador. These seeds were planted in a small farm near Bogotá, igniting a passion that, over time, transformed into an important cultural and economic symbol for Colombia.
However, the journey of coffee in Colombia was not limited to just a few seeds; it flourished and expanded to become a global brand known for its high quality and distinctive flavors. The area of coffee farms grew to include various regions of the country, from high mountain ranges to flat plains, benefiting from the diversity of climate and ideal soil conditions for growing exceptional beans that give Colombian coffee its unique character.
The Colombian government played a significant role in supporting and developing the coffee sector by investing in scientific research, improving infrastructure, and providing support to farmers. These efforts contributed to raising production quality and enhancing the position of Colombian coffee in global markets.
As is often the case, not all beautiful stories are free from troubles. The cultivation of coffee in Colombia faced many challenges, including diseases, pests, climate fluctuations, and political unrest. However, the determination of Colombian farmers and their passion for coffee helped them overcome these obstacles and maintain the quality of their products. Today, coffee is an important cultural and economic symbol for Colombia, serving as a primary source of income for many families and significantly contributing to the country's GDP. More than half a million people in Colombia rely on coffee cultivation, harvesting, processing, and exporting, underscoring the importance of this sector to the Colombian economy.
Colombia is known for its diverse coffee and unique flavors. Colombian Arabica coffee is one of the most famous types of coffee in the world, distinguished by its balanced flavor and aromatic scent. Colombia also produces other types of coffee, such as Robusta coffee, known for its strong flavor and high caffeine content.
Collaborations play an important role in coffee cultivation and processing in Colombia, as many farm owners in a single region gather their crops at one processing station for further processing before exporting them locally or regionally. The high cost of processing and marketing coffee crops at a high level can be challenging for small farm owners, referred to as "finca," which is a Colombian term for small or family-owned farms. Thus, these collaborations help farmers improve the quality of their products and provide better marketing and exporting opportunities. They also contribute to supporting the sustainable development of local communities.
In conclusion, coffee is an integral part of Colombian culture. It forms an important social ritual that brings people together and is used in many social and religious occasions. Coffee also inspires artists and writers in Colombia, but coffee lovers there have not stopped at this; they decided to export this deep culture to all corners of the world through their exceptional and high-quality crops.
Are you a fan of Colombian coffee? Share your favorite Colombian crop with us through our Instagram account @MaridCoffee
