For many, a cup of coffee is just part of the daily grind, consumed swiftly without pausing to savor its nuances. But beyond this routine lies a world of flavor and heritage. Specialty coffees in Panama are a testament to this fact, embodying an unparalleled rich history and quality. Each bean has a tale to tell; in Panama, these tales are filled with excellence and dedication.
What Does Specialty Coffee Mean?
Specialty coffee is a grade above the rest. While you might only recognize commercial coffee’s broad country of origin, specialty coffee provides detailed traceability. This means you’ll know precisely where each bean is sourced from. A key distinction of this category is its purity: these coffees have no defects, making them a premium choice. Over the past few years, specialty coffee has surged in popularity, becoming a notable trend in the gastronomic world.
When you opt for a specialty coffee, you choose a product that meets stringent quality standards. These beans score at least 80 points out of 100, as evaluated by professional cuppers. The high score isn’t just about taste—it factors in aroma, distinct flavor profiles, and the absence of defects. In Panama, the specialty coffee industry has seen significant growth. It’s predominantly produced by small farmers and cooperatives, emphasizing sustainable farming practices. In short, Panama’s specialty coffee is made of high-quality beans grown with care and precision.
What distinguishes Panamanian specialty coffee?
Panamanian specialty coffee has a rich lineage rooted in the Arabica plant. Multiple branches emerge from this primary variety, including typical, bourbon, casual, caturra, and camera, to name a few. Among them, the “geisha” bean variety stands out as the jewel in the crown of Panama. Interestingly, while geisha beans have genetic similarities to a variety found in Ethiopia, the terroir of the highlands of Panama gives it incomparable organoleptic characteristics. These unique characteristics have made it a highly sought-after product, with prices rising to more than $1,000 per pound on the international market.
Panama’s natural assets play a fundamental role in shaping the quality of its coffee. The rich geographic terrains and many microclimates create an environment conducive to cultivating specialty coffees. Complementing these natural advantages are dedicated farmers, masters of their field, who ensure that the beans produced are of the highest caliber.
The most prominent specialty coffee-producing regions in Panama
Boquete
Located east of the province of Chiriquí, the Boquete region is perhaps the most recognized among Panama’s coffee belts. What sets Boquete coffee apart is its unique mountainous terrain that gives rise to diverse microclimates. The region’s relatively cooler temperatures and frequent fog play a significant role in delaying the ripening of coffee cherries. Some experts even suggest that these conditions reflect the effects of coffee cultivation at even higher altitudes.
– Altitude: 400-1900m
– Harvest: December-March
– Varieties: Typica, Caturra, Catuai, Bourbon, Geisha, San Ramon
Volcan
To the west of Chiriquí is the Volcán-Candela region. Not only is it responsible for producing a substantial portion of Panama’s food, but it is also the birthplace of several extraordinary coffee beans. Named after the majestic Barú Volcano and the city of Piedra Candela, this region stands out regarding coffee quality. A notable aspect of Volcán-Candela is its proximity to Costa Rica, with whom it shares its western border.
– Altitude: 1200 to 1600 m
– Harvest: December-March
– Varieties: Typica, Caturra, Catuai, Bourbon, Geisha, San Ramon
Renacimiento
Another gem within the province of Chiriquí, the Renacimiento district, borders Costa Rica. Although smaller than the other two regions, it contributes to Panama’s specialty coffee repertoire. While their production may be lower in volume, Renaissance beans do not compromise on quality.
– Altitude: 1100-1500m
– Harvest: December-March
– Varieties: Typica, Caturra, Catuai, Bourbon, Geisha, San Ramon
Recognition for Panama’s specialty coffee
When it comes to global coffee recognition, Panama holds a distinctive position, thanks in large part to its specialty coffee beans. Recent coffee competitions, like the XXVII International Tasting of the Best of Panama, have seen Panamanian coffees, especially the Geisha variety, receive awards from international judges. Such endorsements have positioned Panama’s Geisha as “The Champagne of Coffee,” capturing the essence of its premium quality and exclusivity. This isn’t merely because of the bean’s unique flavors but also its standing as a specialty coffee, which brings together factors like traceability, high grading scores, and impeccable cultivation practices.
Exclusivity of Panama Specialty Coffees:
The prestige surrounding Panamanian coffees, especially those crowned winners in “The Best of Panama,” justifies their premium prices. These coffees, distinguished by their exceptional quality, reach prices that often exceed those of other regional offerings. While prices fluctuate depending on the farm of origin and quality of the bean, Panamanian specialty coffees generally range from $50 per pound, with some exceptional lots reaching thousands. This price reflects their superior taste and aroma and the exclusivity and high demand they enjoy in the global market.
What is The “Best of Panama”?
The BoP is a prestigious competition and certification platform for Panamanian coffee producers seeking excellence in quality. Orchestrated by the Specialty Coffee Association of Panama (SCAP), this event involves rigorous blind tastings to identify the pinnacle of Panamanian coffee quality. Obtaining “BoP Certification” is a critical accolade; it guarantees that the coffee has passed strict evaluation criteria. This intensive research, covering not only coffee but also equipment and logistics, reflects SCAP’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards in the coffee industry. As such, being recognized in the BoP is a seal of distinction, underscoring a producer’s dedication to superior coffee.
SCAP and Its Role in Panamanian Specialty Coffee
The Specialty Coffee Association of Panama (SCAP) is pivotal in the country’s coffee industry. Dedicated to promoting the excellence of Panamanian specialty coffees, SCAP plays an instrumental role in ensuring quality standards, offering training, and facilitating events like “The Best of Panama” competition. By championing best practices and fostering connections between growers, roasters, and international buyers, SCAP has been crucial in elevating the profile of Panamanian coffees on the global stage, ensuring they receive the recognition and premium pricing they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions about Specialty Coffees in Panama
1. What are the different types of coffee in Panama?
In Panama, two families of grains are mainly grown: robusta and arabica. Robusta coffee is produced to a lesser extent, mainly in Panamá Oeste, Colón, and Coclé provinces. This rises at less than 900 meters high and at sea level. On the other hand, the Arabica variety, which is the most popular and recognized, includes subvarieties such as Typica, Bourbon, Catuai, Caturra, and Geisha. Geisha coffee, especially within the Arabica family, has gained worldwide renown for its exceptional organoleptic characteristics.
2. What is the most expensive coffee in Panama?
Panamanian Geisha coffee is one of the most sought-after and expensive in the world. Its unique flavor profile, coupled with low production and global demand, has reached prices of over $1,000 per pound at some international auctions, especially from well-known farms, and has earned high scores in competitions.
3. What is the best thing about the Panama coffee contest?
“The Best of Panama” is an esteemed competition organized by the Specialty Coffee Association of Panama (SCAP).In this event, the best coffee lots in the country are evaluated and rated in a blind tasting. Winning in this contest is a great honor and usually means global recognition, in addition to achieving premium prices in the market due to the exclusivity and high quality of the award-winning coffee.
Conclusion
Panama stands out as a beacon of excellence in coffee, with its specialty coffees gaining global acclaim. The country’s unique terroir, combined with the dedication of its coffee producers, has birthed beans of unparalleled quality. Events like the “Best of Panama” further highlight the nation’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of coffee perfection. For anyone passionate about coffee, exploring the specialty coffees in Panama isn’t just a treat; it’s a journey into the heart of coffee craftsmanship. Dive in, savor each sip, and discover why Panama’s specialty coffees are genuinely in a league of their own.