The place of origin of a particular product is often considered as a stamp of quality and a guarantee of flavor. A walk-down coffee aisle at your local supermarket can often feel like a world tour for your taste buds with beans from places like Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, and others. There is however a tiny country often overlooked. Peru is the world’s seventh-largest coffee exporter. Yet the Peruvian coffee community rarely mentions its contribution.
We’re here to rectify that error!
About Peruvian Coffee
Peru is a country best known for its history, culture, adorable alpacas, the Amazon jungle, and of course Machu Picchu. Coffee found its roots in Peru, quite literally, in the early to mid seventeen hundred. It sadly took more than a hundred and fifty years from then, before it began to be distributed and appreciated all across the world.
The country’s varied landscape offers it a chance to experience the entire weather spectrum spaced throughout the year.
Peru’s biggest contribution to the coffee community of the world is Arabica coffee beans. This has resulted in the country now holding the number five slot in the world ranking of export of Arabica beans.
The coffee farms flourishing in the hilly parts of the country near Machu Picchu and Cusco yield beans bursting with a flurry of sweet rich flavor that carries a delectable flowery fragrance. The milder produce of Peru is offered up by the farms that call the low-lying areas their home.
A visit there will offer up beans with light acidity that delicately balance out a mixture of fruit, flower, and nuts. Once ready for harvest, the berries are hand-picked by hard workers and sun-dried. At last count, the country has a whopping 100,000 coffee farmers, and the trade has given rise to close to 855,000 jobs in the country.
Season
Peruvian Coffee fruits are perfect for picking up for harvest from June to September and generally arrive in the US market as early as October.
Characteristics
Though when we talk about types of Peruvian coffee, it has a host of variants. But the most common is subdivided into two regions –
- The lower altitude farms produce beans with mild acidity, is medium bodied, has light floral aroma and fruity notes.
- When we move up to higher altitudes, into the farms surrounding the areas of Cusco and Machu Picchu, the beans will feature crisp and brighter acidity along with vibrant floral aroma and some distinct sweetness. These beans are classified as high grade.
Origin
Peru is among the prime countries that started coffee production in the mid-1700. It all begins by bringing the crop from its neighbor Ecuador for its domestic consumption. Until 1800, it was still for domestic use and after that, things started globalizing. In 2019, Peru was the 11th largest producer of coffee beans and the 5th largest exporter of Arabica coffee beans.
The Best Peruvian Coffee Beans
With a wide range and mix of flavors to choose from, Peru has quite a few contenders for the title of best Peruvian coffee the country has to offer. We can skim through a few brands among them with you.
1. Tres Cumbres
One of the finest flavors comes from Volcanica. 100% Arabica beans, medium roast, gently acidic.
Roast: Medium Tasting Notes: Caramel, Meyer lemon, Orange
At the top of our list, we have an offering from Volcanica. The Tres Cumbres package is composed of a hundred percent organic Arabica beans that take root in the Chanchamayo province of Peru.
A combination of the weather and altitude in the area ensures that the beans grow and flourish without any artificial aid in the shape of pesticides or herbicides. The medium roast is a crafty blend of sweet and sour with gentle acidity, the blend has tinges of caramel, Meyer lemon, and orange seeping through and an overarching tone of floral smokiness.
With a goal to guarantee freshness, the beans are fully washed and then dried in the sun. They are roasted on the day the order comes in. They are also hand-packed for shipping on the day they are roasted.
The beans are available as both whole beans as well as coffee grounds. If your machine at home requires the use of a K-cup instead, they have the option too.
Who is this for?
Those who seek that ultimate freshness and floral smokiness in their cups. Best for starting your day with added energy, or brighten up your evening with amazing floral flavors.
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2. Cooper’s Casks Organic Peruvian – Cold brew
A vibrant and bold profile with the distinctive touch of balanced medium roast tang defines Cooper’s Casks organic Peruvian cold brew coffee variant the best.
Roast: Medium Tasting Notes: Caramel, Cherry, Orange
Cooper’s Cask Peruvian cold brew undeniably deserves mention when it comes to naming the most shining single-origin coffee beans. From its medium body to its amazingly tangy fruit finish, the list of associated virtues of this high-quality arabica beans is endless.
The use of grade one single-origin beans, roasted in small batches, adds more perfection to your cup. Cooper’s Casks efficient roasters spend thousands of hours and produce the best brew for you to achieve the said level of perfection.
Cooper’s Casks exclusive organic Peruvian single-origin beans are synonymous with supreme quality, and the confidence of the roasters complements the fact. If they receive any grievance related to the quality, they are open for a refund or replacement, and you don’t need to pay a single penny out of your pocket to avail it.
Additionally, these beans are Fair Trade Certified, making them sustainable in every aspect. Cooper’s Casks is one of the most admired coffee roasters in the globe, which is known for its unique trading policies and artistic approach to roasting world-class coffees.
Who is this for?
Those who consider themselves cold brew lovers and fair trade revolution participants! Sipping the first cup of Cooper’s Cask Peruvian organic coffee will allow you to step into exquisiteness and subtlety.
You might like to read: Best Coffee Beans for Cold Brew
3. Peru Tambopata from Temple Coffee Roasters
Be it a cup of cafe-quality cappuccino or a camp-style espresso; Temple’s washed Tambopata beans go perfectly with different coffee recipes.
Roast: Light to Medium Tasting Notes: Bartlett pear, citrus, honey
Looking for pleasantly sticky bodied, intensely flavorful coffee beans? The Peru Tambopata beans from Temple coffee roasters may turn out to be a perfect pick for you. Grown in the valleys of Sandia, these beans carry the essence of love and hard work of the growers, which results in floral-toned chocolate cups.
The UN-led initiative that took place in the ’80s turned Sandia valley into the home of numerous bourbon varieties, and probably the best one among them is Tambopata. The cup opens with heavenly red apple acidity and crisp pear. Gradually, it makes way for rich caramel notes associated with the long, milky, full mouthfeel.
Temple Coffee is known for its well-curated products that are carefully roasted and packaged under the supervision of Barista geeks. They don’t believe in selling anything that can’t make them happy.
Their light to medium roast allows you to brew world-class cold coffee varieties like an iced caramel macchiato, chocolate mocha, or coffee smoothies. With a sheer dedication towards sourcing and roasting the finest coffee, the brand keeps no stone unturned with its quality.
Who is this for?
For those who celebrate brewing citrus flavors with a touch of sweet honey! The Temple coffee roasters’ Peru Tambopata coffee is a perfect everyday brew that gives your day a bracing start.
You might like to read: Best Brazilian Coffee Brands
4. Single Origin Peru – Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co.
You can bet on the quality of the beans because they are hand-picked and freshly roasted under the strict supervision of specialists.
Roast - Light Tasting Notes: Graham Cracker, Red Apple, Light Caramel, Toasted Vanilla
Grown in high altitude (4200-6000 feet) coffee-growing mountains in Peru, these 100% organic, sun-dried, and washed Arabica coffee beans rule over the reign with their incredible aroma. These specialty-grade green beans are roasted light, which awards them a unique, natural sweet cocoa flavor.
However, the uniqueness of these beans goes far beyond the said cocoa tang! When you brew it, you enrich your cup with superb toasted vanilla, Graham cracker, red apple, and light caramel notes. Needless to say, that’s enough to give your day an afresh and enchanting start!
Like their cup notes, the brewing methods of the Peruvian light roast whole beans are also unbelievably versatile. From pour-over, French press, and drop to percolator or cold brew – they fit all!
When it comes to talking about the roaster, Ground & Hound is as quirky as its products. A handsome percentage of the roaster’s gross earnings goes straight for dog welfare. In addition, they believe in creating a sustainable economy, which ensures that all of the beans they roast are 100% Fair Trade Certified.
Who is this for?
The light-roast lovers and dog parents or dog lovers who feel awesome about drinking their daily cuppa because their purchase is doing a noble job!
5. Cubico Coffee Peru
- Premium Quality Coffee Beans: Crafted with utmost care, our...
- Whole Bean Freshness: Indulge in the unparalleled freshness...
- Versatile Espresso Delight: Elevate your whole bean espresso...
- Robust Dark Roast Blend: Immerse yourself in the bold and...
Roast: Medium Tasting Notes: Nutty, Lemon
The next coffee on the list is a contribution created under the watchful eye of Cenfrocafe. Grown in the Northern Highlands of Peru, the beans are handpicked and sun-dried. They are then roasted to medium brown in small batches before they are packaged. The date on when the beans are roasted is mentioned clearly on the package. It is done to ensure you know just how fresh the beans you buy are.
The hard work is rewarded with a delicious blend that hits just the right notes. The punch of citrus and lemon acidity is balanced out well by the sweet tinge of toffee and nuts. The overall body of the beverage feels smooth and highlights the hint of herbs tying everything together.
Since these beans are grown under the supervision of Cenfrocafe, you can be sure they are fair-trade. This means the people working both on and off the field to grow, process, and pack the products are treated well and paid justly for their labor.
Who is this for?
The coffee aficionados, who are fond of the exceptional fusion that creates a sweet cup with lemon undertones and nutty notes. Mild acidity & medium body adds more to your cup!
6. Java Planet Peru Decaf Organic
- Great Tasting Decaf Coffee! No burnt or bitter taste here!...
- No Pesticides or Mold! We use only 100% organic specialty...
- Peace of Mind! Our coffee is grown by socially and...
- Whole Bean is Better! We only package whole bean coffee for...
Roast : Dark Tasting Notes: Nutty, chocolate
Next, we have a decaf offering in case you’re in the mood for some Peruvian coffee but cannot or do not wish to consume any caffeine. The 100% Arabica beans are grown organically without the aid of any outside interference in the shape of chemicals, herbicides, or pesticides.
The farmers have even used the Swiss Water process while working to decaffeinate their beans so they can hold on to the natural oils and flavors within them. As with the previous offering, the date the beans are roasted is put on every bag so you know just how fresh they are when they enter your home.
Only slightly darker than its previous offerings, the blend cannot go wrong with its classic mix of nuttiness and chocolate.
If you need something to seal the deal, take comfort in the fact that this blend is low on acidity ensuring anyone can enjoy a mug or two without worrying about the effect on their stomachs.
Who is this for?
Dedicated to those, who prefer enjoying the flavors of their cups but don’t want to consume caffeine. In addition, the lower acidity ensures optimal stomach health.
You might like to read: Best Decaf Coffee Beans
7. Peruvian Poop Coffee
Roast: Light- Medium Tasting Notes: Vanilla-nut, chocolatey, citrus
Have you ever walked into an overly priced fancy restaurant that has one too many awards to its name? Did it force you into a situation where you’ve had to close your eyes, cross your fingers, point to an item on the menu, and pray to the food gods that you haven’t accidentally asked for snail’s brains, or something worse? Have you ever thought there’d come a day when you prayed to those Gods that you didn’t accidentally order poop coffee to your table?
No, you didn’t read a typing error. Coati Dung Coffee is a very rare, very expensive coffee produced in Peru and is commonly termed Peruvian Poop Coffee.
What’s the secret behind the name you ask?
The coffee is quite literally sourced out of the feces of the Coati. You see the coffee plants in Peru are a sight to behold when they are in full bloom. They attract a hoard of both human and animal tourists. Among the visitors to the plant is the Coati. Also called the Uchunari by some people, the animal commonly visits coffee fields in Peru to feast after they’ve had their fill of other plants and fruits in the forest.
Once the coffee berry has gone in one end of the little animal and passed through his system, it’s time for it to come out the other end more or less intact. The berry is then collected, thoroughly washed, dried, and transported to the mill for the bean to be extracted. Once the bean is removed, it undergoes the usual roasting process.
If you’ve got a morbid curiosity, we do have the report from a few first-hand consumers of the coffee. When brewed, the beverage has flavors of several forest fruits and none of the bitterness expected from the bean.
Who is this for?
Coffee lovers who are always up to delightfully aromatic cup notes! Moreover, the exceptional collection method and rare availability of the beans have awarded it with a different charisma.
8. Cenfrocafe Coffee by Cubico
- Indulge in Exquisite Flavor: Savor the rich and bold taste...
- Premium Quality, Freshly Roasted: Elevate your coffee...
- Versatile Brewing Options: Whether you're a fan of espresso,...
- Ethically Sourced, Organically Grown: Feel good about every...
Roast: Medium - Dark Tasting Notes: Mild herbal, intense citrus, nutty and caramel
Standing for 21 years, the Cenfrocafe holds firm as one of the biggest co-operations of farmers in Peru today. The organization took its first steps out with no more than eleven associations and 220 active farmers whose primary goal was to increase the scale of growth and cultivation of coffee in the country. And boy did they achieve that and more.
In two short decades, they’ve managed to multiply to 2,000 active farmers and eighty associations spreading their roots through twelve districts within the beautiful region of Cajamarca.
The farmers that are a part of the Cenfrocafe try to only use organic compost and fertilizers in their farms. The coffee is almost completely shade-grown leading to a minimal need for outside harmful interference in the growth process.
The Cenfrocafe provides its farmers with everything from workshops to help them solve technical and crop quality-related issues to providing rural habitats in the region with the education and training to be the leaders of tomorrow. While the small-term goals lie in improving the lives and livelihoods of the coffee farmers in the country, the Cenfrocafe also wants to bring a positive shift in the development of the communities in the country of Peru.
Who is this for?
Those who are searching for amazingly versatile cupping notes! In addition. It’s the best pick for the members of the farm-to-table community.
You might love to read: Best Organic Coffee Beans
Peruvian Coffee Recipe
Since its discovery, coffee has spread its wings and its seeds in all corners of the world. Today the beverage has a very real presence wherever you go. There is a unique beauty to how every culture in even the most remote corner has adapted their way of life into how they process and consume the little brown bean.
A visit to Peru will introduce you to café pasado, a local take on the concept of drip coffee. There are three main ways in which the beverage can be brewed.
1. The Cold Brew
Also, known as the long method, this process can take up to twelve hours if done properly
What You’re Going to Need
- Coffee – A fresh bag of little brown beans should be at the top of your list. Once opened, be sure to store the beans in an airtight container to extend their shelf life.
- A Coffee Grinder – When you grind coffee beans, the carbon dioxide that was trapped within while roasting gets released. Once you grind, the fragrance and flavor start seeping out with time. It is therefore a smart choice to grind your coffee beans right before you brew. If you have a confusion about which one to pick, a burr grinder is the safest choice. It has a long shelf life, comes with a lot of size options to pick from, and offers up uniform coffee grinds.
- 2 Glass Jars with Airtight Lids – One of the jars for brewing the coffee. The other will be used to hold the coffee after it is brewed. Both need to have lids that hold the flavor and fragrance inside well.
- Coldwater – Try and stay away from tap water as it can bring with it a few impurities that can play a role in altering the taste of the coffee.
- Spoon for stirring.
- Sieve
- A cup for measuring.
Step by Step Café Pasado, Peruvian Coffee Recipe
- Start by measuring out a cup of coffee beans and place them in the grinder. Make sure the grinder is clean and dry before you begin. Set the grinder for a coarse setting and pulverize away.
- Grab one of the glass jars and place the cup of coffee grinds inside.
- Fill two cups of cold water and pour them in over the grinds.
- Stir or shake the mixture around a few times to extract the most out of the beans.
- Place the lid on the jar and allow coffee to brew overnight or for roughly twelve hours. If possible, lift the lip every few hours and shake the mixture around a little.
- Once the time has passed, pour the liquid out through the sieve into the other jar and place the lid on.
2. The Hot Brew
If you need your coffee faster, you’re going to have to opt for this version. This method works when hot, preferably boiling water is poured over freshly ground coffee beans. It can take up to thirty minutes to complete. Since the end result to aim for is a concentrated concoction, the ratio of water to coffee is the same. So if you’re taking ¾th of a cup of coffee grinds, the aim is to pour ¾th of a cup of water over it.
What you’re Going to Need
- Coffee – A bag of fresh Peruvian coffee beans.
- Coffee Grinder – To freshly grind your coffee before you brew.
- 2 cups – One cup for measurements the other to catch the coffee as it brews.
- A Coffee filter – In Peru, people use what is called La Cafetera which is a cup usually built of metal having holes at the bottom.
If you don’t have access to this, you can simply use a coffee filter holder, or a portable filter to do the job. If you’re using a perishable paper filter, try to find one of good quality as you will be pouring hot water through it in intervals. You don’t want the filter to tear mid-way through and ruin the process. - A Kettle filled with boiled water – A Gooseneck kettle is the best choice as it will offer the most control over the rate at which you want the water to flow.
- Bottle for storage.
Step by Step Hot Brew
- Start by pouring out ¾ cup of fresh coffee beans into your burr grinder and work it till you get a coarse grind size.
- Place the grinds into the filter and place the filter over your cup.
- Grab your gooseneck kettle, and slowly pour a little of the hot water into the filter. Be careful to only pour enough to cover the coffee in the filter.
- Allow the coffee thirty seconds to a minute of rest. Since you’ve hopefully managed to bag a bunch of freshly roasted coffee, this is when you’ll be treated to the beauty of the coffee bloom.
- After this, add tiny amounts of water at a time. The aim is to extract as much flavor from the coffee beans as possible. Once all the water has passed through pour it into a bottle to store.
Note: The end result of both these techniques of brewing is highly concentrated. A breakfast table in Peru will usually have a jar or bottle of the result of Cafe Pasado called coffee essence to which you can add all the water or milk and sugar you need to suit your tastes. It is fair to warn you that coffee brewed this way is not palatable to everyone. There are a lot of people who claim this style is too strong or too acidic and basically just doesn’t sit right for them.
If you still wish to enjoy the coffee that Peru offers, the French Press method of brewing is particularly rewarding with these beans.
3. French Press
It is one of the most no muss no fuss methods of brewing since the apparatus is fairly simple to maneuver and does not require the use of any external filters. The French Press is also one of the few pour-over methods of brewing that permits the oils and flavor in the beans to seep into the water which transfers into your drink. It is the perfect match.
The Requirements
- Coffee – A bag of your new favorite coffee beans all the way from Peru.
- The French Press – An apparatus that comprises a barrel-shaped glass jar, with a plunger and attached filter.
- A Kettle – Try and get your hands on a gooseneck kettle if possible. The narrow spout offers you better control over the direction and speed of the water flow.
- A Coffee Grinder – A burr grinder should be perfect to accurately set the size of the coffee grinds.
- Spoon to stir.
- Kitchen Scale – If you want precision in your measurements, you’re going to need a kitchen scale to get things just right.
- Your loving Coffee Cup
Steps to Peruvian Coffee Recipe With French Press
- Place your French Press on the surface you’re working on, take out the plunger and ensure the equipment is clean and dry.
- Empty in some of the hot water from your kettle. Grab the jar by the handle, move it around a few times and throw the water out. We are doing this to warm up the surface of the vessel before you brew.
- Grab your kitchen scale and measure out 28-30 grams of your fresh Peruvian coffee beans.
- Set your grinder to coarse and grind away. Now place them into the French Press.
- Slowly pour in a little of the hot water from your kettle onto the coffee grinds. (roughly double the quantity of the coffee). Try and pour in a circular motion moving from the middle outwards.
- Gently stir the coffee and wait for thirty seconds to a minute. If you get to see your coffee grinds bloom, it is a visual confirmation that the beans are fresh.
- Next slowly pour in the rest of the water over the coffee. The water to coffee ratio should be one cup of water to 28 grams of coffee.
- After you’ve poured the remaining water in, place the lid back on and allow the plunger to rest at the top of the water for three to four minutes.
- When the time has passed, grasp the plunger, and with steady and constant pressure, press down.
- Pour the coffee out into your favorite cup and sit back and enjoy a little taste of Peru in your kitchen.
To Sum up
While Peruvian coffee brings its own unique flavor and cultural contributions towards the coffee community of the world, it sadly is still often overshadowed by its neighboring giants. However with growing curiosity and increasing the willingness of people to try something new, we predict it won’t be long before Peru rises up the rankings and starts to pose a real threat to the leaders of the coffee world sitting cozy on their thrones.
FAQs
The berries growing in the fields of Peru are perfect for picking from June through September.
Yes. All of the coffee marketed through Cenfrocafe is certified as fair trade.
Peru is the ninth-largest producer of coffee in the world.
The coffee from Peru is mildly acidic coffee and is aromatic and flavorful with a light body. It is considered to be a good blend in most flavorful coffees, especially in darker roasts.
Resources
- Coffee Production in Peru – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_production_in_Peru
- Facts about Peruvian Coffee – https://www.peru.travel/en/masperu/wonder-of-the-world-6-facts-you-didnt-know-about-peruvian-coffee
- Why drink Peru Coffee – https://weaverscoffee.com/blogs/blog/why-we-should-drink-coffee-from-peru