Thanks to an aggressive marketing campaign started in the 1980s, Columbian coffee is now almost synonymous with the popular image and logo of Juan Valdez and his donkey trekking through the Columbian mountains.

However, with the advent of specially grown coffees, environmentally sustainable coffees, organic and fair trade coffees, Columbia is working hard to upgrade its image and become the world's premiere source for high-quality, gourmet coffees.

Types of Beans Grown in Columbia

Almost all the coffee beans grown in Columbia are 100 percent Arabica beans. The Arabica bean is low in caffeine and acidity and are best grown in rugged, mountain terrains.

The Arabica bean is the most popular bean in North America, thanks to its superior taste and how well it lends itself to a classic, American medium roast.

Washed Arabica

Columbian coffee beans go through a washing process. This wet processing purifies the beans, takes out some of the acidity and gives the coffee a stronger aroma and richer taste, making it ideal for the coffee lover.

Coffee Growing Regions in Columbia

The two largest coffee-growing areas in Columbia are the central region including Armenia, Manizales and Medellin and the eastern, more mountainous area closer to Bogota and Bucaramanga.

Major Carriers of Columbian Coffee

Most standard, store brands will have Columbian coffee. However, many will also blend these with beans from Brazil, Africa or other Latin countries. To ensure a brand is 100 percent Columbian, look for the Juan Valdez logo and 100 percent Columbian certification.

Organic and Fair Trade Farming in Columbia

Thanks to consumer demands, a number of coffee plantations in Columbia are working toward a triple seal certification. The Triple Seal is the highest level an organic farmer can obtain and requires first that the farmer meets the USDA organic cultivation standards.

Next, the grower must create a natural shade grown coffee plantation. So, instead of relying on artificial shades or screens, the grower must plant and grow a natural, plant-based canopy.

Finally, the last seal is granted by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center and Rainforest Alliance. This seal is dependent on how the coffee plantation affects the natural habitat around it both now and in the future.

Many Columbian coffee growers are also moving toward fair trade practices to stay competitive with the international coffee market. Remember, coffee is a volatile commodity, so staying in tune and on top of customer demands is crucial to growers and manufacturers remaining competitive in the java business.

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