What makes coffee from Panama so unique?

𝐃𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐨𝐢𝐥, 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐜á𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐫ú 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐭𝐞, 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐚.

Here are some key reasons:

1. Altitude: Volcano Barú’s elevation creates ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. Higher altitudes generally lead to slower coffee bean maturation, resulting in denser and more flavorful beans.

2. Microclimate: The volcano influences local weather patterns, providing a mix of cool temperatures, ample rainfall (#bajareque), and sunshine. This combination is crucial for developing the complex flavours characteristic of high-quality coffee.

3. Soil Quality: The volcanic soil is rich in nutrients, which enhances the growth of coffee plants and contributes to the unique flavour profiles of the beans. The minerals in the soil can affect acidity and taste, making the coffee from this region distinct.

4. Biodiversity: The surrounding ecosystem supports various plant and animal life, promoting a balanced environment that benefits coffee cultivation through natural pest control and pollination.

5. Tourism and Recognition: The scenic views of Volcán Barú attract tourists and coffee enthusiasts, boosting local coffee producers and increasing recognition for Boquete's high-quality coffees on the global market.

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐜á𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐫ú 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞.

𝐓𝐨𝐩𝟓 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞

Brewing coffee might seem straightforward, but several common mistakes can affect the taste and quality of your cup. Here are the top 5 mistakes to avoid:

𝟏. 𝐔𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞

Mistake: Using the wrong grind size for your brewing method.

Impact: A grind that is too coarse or too fine for your brewing method can lead to over-extraction or under-extraction, resulting in too bitter, acidic or weak coffee.

Solution: Use a grinder to match your grind size to your brewing method. For example:

Coarse Grind: cold brew, french press.

Medium Grind: Pour-over filter coffee, drip coffee makers

Fine Grind: Espresso, Moka pots.

Ilse Geyskens from Café Velvet offers direct trade coffee from Colombia, which she selects herself from serval Colombian coffee farms, that match the quality and taste profiles she finds suitable to serve in her coffee bars in Colombia and Belgian.

In 2023 barista Melanie moved from Belgium to Panama, to start a new life in the Panama specialty coffee scene. With her company Tropix she offers coffee consulting, barista training and coffee farm tours in Boquete Panama.

Why is it important to grind your coffee beans instead of using already ground coffee? There are 2 reasons for this, read our blog to find out.

Where’s the best place to store coffee at home for ultimate freshness, taste, flavor and aroma?

Tips for coffee storage at home, to keep your coffee fresh and tasteful. in this blog post, we explain the importance of the roast date.