Introduction of Parana Coffee producing area in Brazil the flavor characteristics of Parana coffee

Parana is a very important agricultural region in Brazil, producing 25 per cent of its crops, although it accounts for only 2.5 per cent of the country's total. Coffee used to be the most productive crop in the region, but after the frost in 1975, many producers began to diversify. In the past, about 22 million bags of coffee were produced in this area, but now there are only about 2 million bags.

The original colonists chose to live by the sea, but because of the cultivation of coffee, many people moved inland. There is a lack of high-altitude areas in the region because there is little really high-quality coffee, but a cooler climate helps the fruit to ripen slowly.

■ altitude: up to 950m

■ harvest period: may-September

■ flavor: green apple, malt, dried raisins, milk chocolate