Brazil has a rich heritage of coffee cultivation. Brazilian coffee beans are intricately associated with its history and national life. Ever since coffee cultivation first began in the 18th century (when it was introduced as a decorative plant), it has shaped its economy in more ways than one. Among the few things Brazil is famous for, coffee stands right at the top. Despite new players in the international coffee market, the country has held its own in the realm of coffee.
How did Brazil become a coffee giant?
Brazil’s emergence as a coffee giant can be attributed to a combination of factors that came together over the course of several centuries. From suitable climate and investment in agritech, Brazil has always been at the forefront of producing the world’s best coffee. Even a change in green coffee beans price can be affected by Brazil’s supply chain. Here’s an overview of how Brazil became a major player in the global coffee industry:
- Climatic Advantage: Brazil’s diverse geography and climate were ideal for coffee cultivation. The country’s vast landmass encompasses various microclimates, allowing coffee to be grown in a wide range of conditions. The Minas Gerais region possibly has the best-suited climate for coffee growth anywhere in the world.
- Coffee Varietals: Brazilian coffee growers focused on developing coffee varietals that were well-suited to their climate and soil. Varietals like Mundo Novo and Catuai were created to thrive in Brazilian conditions.
- Infrastructure and Technology: Brazil invested in infrastructure for coffee production, including railways and ports, to facilitate the transportation of coffee beans to international markets. The adoption of modern agritech practices, such as mechanical harvesters, also boosted efficiency.
- Coffee Boom: The late 19th century and early 20th century saw a global coffee boom, and Brazil became the world’s leading coffee producer. The country’s coffee industry capitalized on this demand.
- Government Support: The Brazilian government provided support to the coffee industry through policies such as price stabilization and stockpiling. These measures aimed to stabilize prices and ensure profitability for coffee growers.
- Diversification and Quality Improvement: Over time, Brazil diversified its coffee production by growing a variety of coffee varietals, each with its own flavor profile. This allowed Brazil to cater to different market preferences. Efforts were made to improve the quality of Brazilian coffee, including better processing and sorting techniques.
The rich coffee varieties found in Brazil
Technically, there are two main varieties of coffee – Arabica and Robusta. The Arabica variety is more desirable as it has an acidic flavor and a sweeter cup profile. The Robusta variety has more of a bitter taste. The beans of these varieties are either processed or roasted or the roasting process is avoided to get what’s in vogue today – green coffee! If you take a look at the green coffee beans price, you’ll see it has taken a good jump due to its perceived health benefits.
Nonetheless, you’ll see multiple types of coffee within these two varieties. Brazil is home to some of the best Arabica varieties in the world. Robusta is grown too but the area under cultivation for Robusta coffee is limited. Years of natural and artificial mutations within the same variety have produced different ‘varietals’ of coffee – i.e. different versions of the same variety.
Here are some famous coffee varietals in Brazil that make it the world’s foremost coffee destination.
Typica: Typica is one of the oldest coffee varietals and is believed to have originated in Ethiopia.
- Characteristics: It is known for its mild, well-balanced flavor with good acidity and body. Typica plants are tall with elongated beans and tend to be less productive than some other varietals.
1. Bourbon: Bourbon coffee has its roots in the island of Bourbon (now Réunion) in the Indian Ocean but was later brought to Latin America.
- Characteristics: Bourbon coffee is often prized for its sweet, complex flavor profile, which includes fruity and floral notes. It is known for its excellent cup quality.
2. Mundo Novo: Mundo Novo is a hybrid between Typica and Bourbon, developed in Brazil in the mid-20th century.
- Characteristics: This varietal is known for its resilience to diseases and adaptability to different climates. It produces a balanced cup with medium body and acidity.
3. Caturra: Caturra is a mutation of Bourbon discovered in Brazil.
- Characteristics: Caturra plants are shorter and more compact, making them easier to harvest. The coffee produced from Caturra beans is often bright and acidic with a medium body.
4. Catuai: Catuai is a hybrid resulting from a cross between Mundo Novo and Caturra, created in Brazil.
- Characteristics: Catuai plants are also compact and offer advantages in terms of harvest efficiency. The coffee tends to be mild, with a good balance of acidity and body.
5. Maragogype: Maragogype is a natural mutation of Typica discovered in Brazil.
- Characteristics: Maragogype beans are notably large, often referred to as “elephant beans.” They produce a mild, low-acid coffee with a unique flavor profile prized by some coffee enthusiasts.
Conclusion
As you sip your coffee to get that stimulating morning freshness, here’s an idea to reflect upon – the origin of your coffee beans! The more you reflect, the more you’ll realize that the Brazilian coffee beans, with its rich variations and aromatic flavors, produce some of the best coffee in the world.
