In Colombia, we are known for our coffee , so much so that we have a region that stands out for its tall palm trees, green mountains, and above all, for its characteristic aroma: that of coffee. It is an area dedicated to and focused on the coffee tradition and is made up of three departments. Although they are not the largest or the largest producers, they are emblematic of Colombian coffee . Now it's time to discover more about one of these departments, Risaralda.
Let's get to know Risaralda
It is a department with nearly 900,000 inhabitants spread across 14 municipalities, with its capital, Pereira, accounting for almost half of this population. Risaralda, as we have already said, is part of the coffee axis and is located between Caldas and QuindΓo . Additionally, it also borders Antioquia, Tolima, ChocΓ³, and Valle del Cauca. Its average temperature is a delightful 18Β°C ββfor those of us who like cool or moderately cool weather. Its average altitude is 1,516 meters above sea level, but its territory ranges from 920 to 1,840 meters above sea level and covers an area of ββ365,000 hectares. The department has two main water sources: the Cauca and San Juan rivers. Its geography is comprised of the volcanic massifs of the central and western mountain ranges, beautiful flat and narrow valleys formed by the basins of the OtΓΊn, Cauca, and Risaralda rivers. The soil of the department has different characteristics and originates from igneous rocks, volcanic ash, and those derived from sedimentary rocks.
All these elements are essential and greatly contribute to the quality and good coffee that is developed in the region. , achieving that the mixture of these volcanic soils, the water of the rivers and the altitude conspire in the creation of a beverage that gives life to the department, with coffee being the main source of sustenance for the people of Risaralda.
What characterizes the region's coffee?
With an annual production of around 560 thousand 60-kilo bags of coffee It is ranked seventh in national production , there are more than 52 thousand hectares planted with coffee distributed among approximately 25 thousand farms throughout the department, which are cultivated by 20 thousand coffee growers, of which 93% are considered small producers with less than 5 hectares cultivated. This is truly a coffee-growing department, 60% of the domestic agricultural product comes from this wonderful bean , the importance of coffee in the department is such that it has a high level of technical development in its production processes, in shade, semi-shade and crops uncovered in the sun. But do not think that tradition has been lost, we can still find coffee landscapes where the traditional production system is maintained, which also gives that unique and special touch to the different products that come from this process.
Thanks to the high level of technical development of the processes, The quality of Risaralda coffee is guaranteed. This technological process maintains strict control throughout the production and marketing chain. It also features significant improvements and innovations, along with a network of laboratories staffed by expert coffee tasters, who work hard to improve the cup of coffee grown in the region every day.
Well, it is important to note that Of that large number of coffee growers in the region, around 6,000 are women. , they are responsible for cultivating and leading the entire coffee process on approximately 13,000 hectares. Of this group of women, nearly 2,000 stand out. They are heads of households and, through coffee, have managed to support their families and raise their children.
But⦠What about the flavors in the cup?
For several years now, we have been working on diversity in Risaralda coffee and its profiles. This has been achieved through a joint strategy with coffee growers , all with the aim of improving their quality of life by adding a differential value to the region's product. For this reason, it is difficult to define a cup or the characteristic flavors of the region's coffee, but among the most characteristic of the many cups, one stands out or can be said to be a predominant factor aromatic notes with a herbal touch and fruity notes These tend to vary greatly, but are usually found in a noticeable way, the body of the coffees from the region is medium and very balanced, as is its acidity, which tends to be medium in most cases.
The coffee axis
The Colombian coffee region is a beautiful and wonderful place that we should all know and discover. No matter how much I tell you about it, words will never truly describe its warmth and magic. But one thing I can tell you and guarantee is that its coffee is the best part of the experience; it's a delight and a joy to the palate with every sip we take.