Coffee is a staple beverage enjoyed by people all over the world, and Mexico is no exception. In fact, Mexico has a rich history of coffee cultivation that dates back to the 18th century. Today, Mexican coffee is known for its unique and rich flavor profile, with notes of chocolate, nuttiness, and a hint of spice.
The coffee beans are grown in the high altitudes of Mexico’s southern regions, where the ideal combination of soil, climate, and sunlight results in a flavorful and aromatic cup of coffee.
Whether you prefer a classic brewed coffee or an espresso, Mexican coffee is a delicious and satisfying option that is sure to please any coffee lover.
The Climate and Harvesting of Mexican Coffee
Mexican coffee is primarily grown in the southern regions of the country, where the ideal combination of altitude, sunlight, and temperature results in high-quality coffee beans. The majority of Mexican coffee is grown in the states of Chiapas, Veracruz, Puebla, and Oaxaca, where the coffee plants are nestled in the mountainous regions at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 meters above sea level.
The high altitudes and tropical climate of these regions allow the coffee cherries to ripen slowly, resulting in a more complex and flavorful bean. The coffee growing season in Mexico lasts from November to May, with the peak of the harvest taking place between December and February.
Mexican coffee is harvested by hand, and the coffee cherries are carefully picked and sorted to ensure only the ripest and highest quality beans are used for processing.
After being sorted, the beans are either sun-dried or mechanically dried to reduce their moisture content. Once dry, the beans are sorted again, and the best beans are chosen for roasting.
This careful attention to detail and quality ensures that Mexican coffee has a unique and distinctive flavor that sets it apart from other coffees around the world.
The Coffee Growing Regions of Mexico
Mexico is home to several coffee growing regions, each with its own unique characteristics and flavor profiles.
Coffee in Mexico is divided into 4 main regions, each of them with its specific and distinct characteristics, but all have adequate conditions for the production of a high quality coffee:
Chiapas
Located in southern Mexico, Chiapas is the largest coffee producing state in the country and is known for producing high-quality Arabica coffee. The coffee plants in Chiapas are grown in the shadow of the iconic Tacana Volcano and are prized for their rich and complex flavor profile.
Veracruz
This state is located on the Gulf of Mexico and is known for producing a medium-bodied coffee with notes of chocolate, nuts, and a hint of citrus. Veracruz coffee is grown in the high elevations of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range and is considered one of the finest coffee growing regions in Mexico.
Puebla
Puebla is known for its high-altitude coffee growing regions, where the coffee plants are grown at elevations of up to 2,200 meters above sea level. The coffee produced in this region is known for its bright acidity, medium body, and notes of fruit and chocolate.
Oaxaca
This southern state is known for producing some of the most unique and flavorful coffee in Mexico. Oaxaca coffee is grown in the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range and is characterized by its smooth and sweet flavor profile, with notes of chocolate, nuts, and a hint of spice.
What are the Classifications of Coffee from Mexico?
When selecting a coffee we can choose between three different coffee classifications: “buen lavado”, “prima lavado” or “de altura”.
1. Buen Lavado Coffee
It is produced at low altitude and its quality is distinguished by its mild flavor, delicate aroma, light acidity and little body.
2. Prima Coffee
Prima coffee occurs in an area of medium height; its flavor and aroma are pleasant, good acidity and good body. This may be the standard coffee that is harvested in Mexico, its production comprising about 70%-80% of the total production.
3. De Altura or High Altitude Coffee
It corresponds to the coffee beans collected in regions of more than 3,116.8 ft above sea level and is distinguished by an exquisite aroma and an incomparable flavor. It is the best quality and is known among some experts as “strictly high” or “fancy” coffee. It has a very pleasant aroma and the main characteristic is that it is full-bodied.
What Are The Different Types of Coffee Plants in Mexico?
There are over 30 species of coffee trees in the family of the Rubiaceae which are used for the production of coffee, but there are 3 subspecies that are mostly used: Robusta, Liberica, and Arabica.
The coffee tree is between 4 and 6 meters high(12 to 18 ft) . At maturity, it has ovate, glossy, and green leaves that last for three to five years. Its flowers are white and fragrant and remain open for a few days. Six or seven months after the flower appears, the fruit develops, which changes color from light green to red.
The perfect weather condition for coffee beans to grow is at a high level, making ideal conditions between 3,280.84 ft and 4,265.092 ft. above sea level. Nonetheless, it has to be in a very humid environment. The soil needs to be rich in nutrients, which will absorb the water and drain with ease the excess of precipitation.
The best soils are the ones with a cloak of leaves, other organic matter scattered on the land, and disintegrated volcanic rock. It should be cultivated in cold temperatures that have sudden rises of temperatures to 55 to 96 Fahrenheit degrees.
How is the Coffee from Chiapas?
Coffee from Chiapas, Mexico is known for its high quality and complex flavor profile. As the largest coffee producing state in Mexico, Chiapas is renowned for its Arabica coffee, which is grown in the shadow of the iconic Tacana Volcano.
Chiapas coffee is prized for its rich and complex flavor profile, with notes of chocolate, nuts, and a hint of fruit. The coffee is grown in high altitude regions with a mild climate, which helps to create a well-balanced cup with bright acidity and a smooth body.
Coffee from Chiapas is also known for its sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. Many coffee growers in Chiapas are part of fair trade organizations, which work to ensure that coffee farmers receive a fair price for their product and that environmentally responsible practices are in place.
Overall, coffee from Chiapas is a high-quality option for coffee lovers who are looking for a rich and flavorful cup of coffee with a balanced acidity and smooth body.
Final Thoughts
Coffee from Mexico is known for its high quality, unique flavor profile, and responsible growing practices. With a rich history of coffee cultivation that spans centuries, Mexico is a leading producer of some of the finest coffee in the world.
From the high-altitude regions of Chiapas to the lush forests of Veracruz, Mexican coffee is grown in a variety of climates and landscapes, each offering its own unique flavor profile. Whether you prefer the bright acidity and clean flavor of a wet-processed Arabica or the bold and complex taste of a dry-processed Robusta, Mexican coffee has something to offer for every coffee lover.
So why not treat yourself to a cup of this delicious and versatile beverage and discover the rich taste of coffee from Mexico.