#7

Gentle-Tasting Coffee from a Violence-Riddled Nation – Colombia's Melancholy

A country that serves as the entryway to the South American continent, Colombia is brimming with fascinating attractions beyond its world-famous coffee. It's a land of gold, emeralds, narcotics, and exotic orchids. The common trait amongst these is their uncanny ability to captivate the human heart, often leading lives astray. Despite Colombian coffee's renowned mildness, the society here has a historical undercurrent of violence. Years of political discord resulted in civil war, and it remains the sole South American nation still grappling with the existence of guerrillas. Add drug cartels to the mix, and you have a chilling portrait akin to the one painted by Nobel laureate Gabriel Garcia Márquez, a native of Colombia. It begs the question: How did such mild coffee originate here?

A country that serves as the entryway to the South American continent, Colombia is brimming with fascinating attractions beyond its world-famous coffee. It's a land of gold, emeralds, narcotics, and exotic orchids. The common trait amongst these is their uncanny ability to captivate the human heart, often leading lives astray. Despite Colombian coffee's renowned mildness, the society here has a historical undercurrent of violence. Years of political discord resulted in…

#6

Brewed by the Canal: Panama, the Country that Launched Geisha to Prominence

Stretching as far as the eye can see, the panoramic view is nothing but the ocean. The scenery from the deck of a cruise ship sailing across the vast sea is breathtaking. Especially in the early morning, witnessing the sunrise emerge from the horizon is a truly exceptional experience. In the tropical waters of the Caribbean Sea, the sun exerts its powerful presence, radiating a scorching heat as it ascends. It's as if standing right beside a blazing stove, feeling your entire body engulfed in warmth. Sipping coffee under the radiant light invigorates your spirit. Heading south in the Caribbean Sea towards Panama, I arrive at the birthplace of a legendary coffee known as the pinnacle of specialty coffee, Esmeralda Special.

Stretching as far as the eye can see, the panoramic view is nothing but the ocean. The scenery from the deck of a cruise ship sailing across the vast sea is breathtaking. Especially in the early morning, witnessing the sunrise emerge from the horizon is a truly exceptional experience. In the tropical waters of the Caribbean Sea, the sun exerts its powerful presence, radiating a scorching heat as it ascends.…

#5

The taste of freedom: The legacy of the revolution in Mexican coffee

Mexico is on the northern edge of the Coffee Belt, the equatorial region where coffee is most easily grown. Coffee production is limited to the south of the country, with the southernmost state of Chiapas being the biggest producer, responsible for 40% of the country’s total coffee production. Chiapas shares a border with Guatemala and was a part of the country until Mexico gained independence from Spain. Like their neighbors, the majority of residents are indigenous people of Mayan descent, and culturally they are closer to Guatemala. The flavor profile for Mexican coffee is also close to Guatemalan, but when it comes to quality, the difference in political policies between the two countries has had a significant effect.

Mexico is on the northern edge of the Coffee Belt, the equatorial region where coffee is most easily grown. Coffee production is limited to the south of the country, with the southernmost state of Chiapas being the biggest producer, responsible for 40% of the country’s total coffee production. Chiapas shares a border with Guatemala and was a part of the country until Mexico gained independence from Spain. Like their neighbors,…

#4 El Salvador

From the terror of war to a blueprint for peace: The resilience of El Salvador

El Salvador may be less than half the size of Costa Rica, but it is home to one of the largest populations in Central America with 6.5 million people. Living in such close quarters has fostered a sense of sincerity, resilience, and a strong work ethic within the Salvadorian people. And while most Latin American countries are known for their carefree and easygoing nature, El Salvador stands out for its calm demeanor and unshakeable loyalty. This personality is also reflected in the unique flavor of their coffee. However, there is another aspect to this loyalty. When it comes to war, Salvadorians are fiercely committed to their cause. In the civil war that lasted until 1992, left-wing guerillas rebelled against the right-wing government, and anyone considered an enemy was indiscriminately killed. In Nicaragua, tolerance was shown to enemies during the civil war, but in El Salvador, torture and brutal killings defined the conflict. In Spanish, El Salvador means “the Savior,” yet the country could not save itself from the horrors of civil war. Today, though memories of the civil war still haunt, peace has finally been restored. El Salvador is moving forward with its innate resilience and determination to rebuild the country.

El Salvador may be less than half the size of Costa Rica, but it is home to one of the largest populations in Central America with 6.5 million people. Living in such close quarters has fostered a sense of sincerity, resilience, and a strong work ethic within the Salvadorian people. And while most Latin American countries are known for their carefree and easygoing nature, El Salvador stands out for its…