On August 22, homage is paid to this flag crop that conquers palates and international markets. Peruvian coffee is one of the best in the world and has gained international recognition for its excellent quality, to become an emblematic product increasingly desired in the global market.

Coffee develops relatively easily from 600 to 1,800 meters above sea level in almost all geographic regions of Peru. However, 75 percent of the coffee plantations are above 1,000 meters of altitude. The diversity of combinations of climates, soils, precipitation and sunlight constitutes a favorable scenario for the cultivation of coffee. The coffee or coffee plant grown in Peru is of the «Coffea arabica» type, with different profiles of flavor, aroma and acidity. The coffee varieties that are grown in Peruvian territory are Typica (70%), Caturra (20%) and others (10%). 90 percent of the Peruvian coffee tree grows under shade, at an average density of 2,000 plants per hectare.

In accordance with current trends, some groups of Peruvian farmers have specialized and work in organic crops and other specialty coffees, recognized for their profile and peculiar characteristics such as cup quality, acidity, and balanced flavor, which adjust very well to microclimates. , the temperature and the strict cultivation height (between 1,400 and 1,800 meters above sea level).

Special coffees

Special coffee, in the strict sense, or gourmet coffee, is characterized by exceptional cup quality, and is flawless. This special type of coffee allows roasters to incorporate, on the basic mixture of arabica and robust, variable proportions of coffees with particular features that give the product a “difference”.

The coffee with designation of origin is applied to coffees that come from certain geographical territories, which due to their microclimate, variety, composition and soil are responsible for a characteristic aroma and flavor.

For its part, organic coffee is one that comes from crops with a certain type of agronomic management, and is characterized by soil conservation practices and by employing methods that emulate ecological processes.

Fair trade coffee comes from producer organizations, which are guaranteed a minimum price and access to pre-financing of the harvest by the buyer. The differential is destined for community projects, democratically agreed.

According to the International Coffee Organization, Peru is among the ten coffee producing and exporting countries in the world. Likewise, it occupies the second place worldwide as a producer and exporter of organic coffee, and is the first United States supplier of coffee with the Fair Trade seal, covering 25% of the market niche

Source: Agencia Andina

Photographic source: Ruta de Café Peruano y Publimetro