Ethiopian Coffee Grown in Colombia: Ethiopia Landrace Washed
- marvin3369
- Jul 14
- 2 min read
Country - Colombia
Region - Huila
Altitude – 1,500 - 1,730 masl
Varietal – Ethiopia Landrace
Process – Washed
The Colombian Coffee Legacy
Coffee's journey to Colombia began in the late 1700s when Spanish colonists, including Jesuit priests, introduced the plant to the northern regions. Over the following century, cultivation spread throughout the country, but it wasn't until Colombia gained independence in the 1800s that coffee became a commercial export to the United States—starting modestly at just 2,500 bags annually from a handful of large producers.
The coffee industry transformed dramatically in 1927 when smaller producers united to form the Federación Nacional de Cafeteros de Colombia. This organization revolutionized Colombian coffee by providing support services regardless of farm size and launching marketing campaigns that propelled Colombia to become the world's third-largest coffee exporter. Their efforts established Colombian coffee's global reputation for quality and consistency.
Geography and Terroir
Colombia's position near the equator, combined with its high mountain peaks, creates ideal Arabica-growing conditions. The country exclusively produces Arabica coffee, though this lack of genetic diversity presents challenges—coffee leaf rust and other diseases have historically impacted production significantly.
The Andes Mountains create diverse microclimates across Colombia's coffee regions. Northern areas produce sweeter, full-bodied coffees, while central regions yield the balanced, approachable coffees often found in breakfast blends. The southern Huila region, where our featured coffee originates, offers something entirely different.
The Huila Region: Where Mountains Meet Rivers
Nestled between two Andes Mountain ranges in the Magdalena River Valley, Huila benefits from abundant water sources, varied microclimates, and nutrient-rich soil. These conditions produce coffees renowned for their complexity, featuring fruity, sweet, and floral characteristics with intense aromatics.
Las Veraneras: Innovation Meets Tradition
This exceptional coffee comes from Las Veraneras farm, situated on the Peñas Blancas mountain range and surrounded by 200 hectares of forest reserve. The Santa Barbara stream, a tributary that joins the Timana River through two aqueducts, provides essential water for processing.
Farm manager Rodrigo Sanchez Valencia represents fourth-generation coffee production and stands as a pioneer in Colombian coffee innovation. His most notable achievement was discovering the Pink Bourbon variety, establishing his reputation as a leader in the industry.
In 2013, Sanchez co-founded Aromas del Sur, a collaborative network of coffee farms focused on education and training in agricultural practices, business development, and cup quality improvement. The group's dry mill, opened in 2019, allows producers to experiment with various processing methods and elevate their coffee quality.
The Ethiopia Landrace Story
The Ethiopia Landrace variety arrived at Las Veraneras through a seed exchange program, immediately impressing with its naturally high sugar content. This variety connects Colombian terroir with Ethiopian genetics, creating unique flavor possibilities.
Tasting Experience
This gentle yet electric coffee delivers tropical refreshment with bright lemon zest and mint tea notes complementing a creamy coconut and hazelnut mouthfeel. The lingering floral finish creates a sensory experience reminiscent of sipping Pina Coladas on a sunny day—a perfect marriage of Colombia's innovative processing techniques and Ethiopia's genetic heritage.
The washed process highlights the coffee's natural brightness while allowing the unique characteristics of the Ethiopia Landrace variety to shine through, creating a cup that honors both Colombian tradition and international collaboration.
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