Peru, South America

South American coffee is overshadowed by the presence of coffee giant Brazil and Colombia, the largest exporter of washed Arabica beans, but Peru, South America's third-largest coffee producer after Brazil and Colombia, is worth mentioning.

Peruvian coffee is grown mainly on the slopes of the northeastern part of the forested Andes. It is mainly divided into three major producing areas: Cajamaka, San Martin and Amazon in the north, 27% in the Mayo Valley in the middle, and 23% in the south (Ayacucho, Puno and Cusco provinces). 95% of Peruvian coffee production is grown on a small scale by farmers. About 110000 people in the country are engaged in coffee cultivation, with each household owning two or three hectares of land. The process from planting to peeling is done by itself and sold to raw bean merchants.

Excellent Peruvian coffee grows at high altitudes in the Andes, reaching as high as 2000 meters. The topography of such a high altitude makes Peruvian coffee unique: bright style like the sunshine of the plateau, fresh and sour fruit in the mouth, soft and round sweetness, and a moderate mellowness that gives a mild and unburdened taste, Peruvian coffee creates another South American style that Brazil and Colombia do not have.

(alpaca, a unique animal on the Peruvian plateau)

Coffee cultivation in Peru began in the early 18th century, and 200 years later, there are still many traditional typica tree species, accounting for 60% of exports. However, compared with other countries, the country has done little in the international marketing of coffee, and lacks a sound production and sales management system at home, so Peruvian coffee is still not well-known in the world, and it is difficult to find it in famous coffee. However, Peru's organic coffee industry has developed significantly in recent years, and through organic certification and fair trade activities, the country's coffee has gradually begun to enter the international stage. Coffee is the country's largest export of agricultural products, accounting for 50% of agricultural exports, but only 2.9% of total exports. In recent years, as a substitute for coca production, coffee has been increasingly supported by the government.

(panoramic view of the ancient city of Cusco)

Apart from coffee, Peru is better known for its lost Inca city of Machu Picchu and Nazca lines. The ancient city of Machu Picchu contains the Inca civilization of thousands of years ago, and NASCAR is a mystery that is difficult to solve. These are the unique symbols of this South American plateau country to the world. What about coffee? Although the road of development is bumpy, it is believed that there are hard-working Inca remnants, the grace of the Andes, the unique climate of tropical mountains, and the original excellent varieties and organic mode of production. Peruvian coffee will one day step onto the stage of world boutique coffee, showing the world its unique aroma.