Cart 0
Studies show that we can drink up to five cups of coffee a day. But, how many of those coffee drinkers know the difference between Ethiopian coffee and Colombian coffee?
Whether you buy your coffee from your local shop or you like to browse your options online, you will have come across a variety of coffee beans from all over the world and have most likely seen Ethiopian coffee beans on the shelf.
However, not everyone likes to admit their lack of knowledge around the wide variety of coffee beans. Nowadays, there’s a huge trend over brewing high-quality coffee so knowing some important facts about coffee can be useful!
Especially, if you want to impress your friends with expert coffee knowledge. If you’re looking to expand your coffee encyclopedia on the best Ethiopian coffee and Colombian coffee beans then keep reading to find out more…
The Importance of Coffee and Its Origin
Sustainability has become the most important concern amongst coffee companies and individual brewers. But, why is it important to learn about the history of coffee? And, how does it impact consumers?
Firstly, you should know that even though coffee is grown in 70 countries the main producers of this magical bean are Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia.
For the countries where coffee beans are from this industry makes up a large percentage of the national income and is essential to the overall economy of these areas in the world.
Even though it’s hard to imagine the amount of work and money that goes into producing every cup of coffee you drink, the reality is the coffee business is a lifeline to many farmers and their countries.
Different Coffee Beans and Their Taste
Knowing where your coffee beans have come from is just like knowing the origin of your t-shirt or another piece of clothing.
As the world is becoming increasingly aware of the environmental effects of big industries like food and clothing companies, people want to learn more about where their products come from.
And, there’s a good reason for it. If we consumer something into our bodies we want to know what it’s made of and who sourced it for us. Transparency is everything, especially in the coffee farming world.
Beyond the business concerns of coffee beans and their origin, another important reason they’re different is their taste. Every coffee bean has a unique flavor.
Coffee beans tell the story of their country, who made them, and the history behind the place. It’s not just a product, it symbolizes a whole culture and we should celebrate that, right?
So, let’s take a look at the differences between Ethiopian coffee and Colombian coffee.
Colombian vs Ethiopian Coffee: Which Is Better?
To begin we’ll discuss Ethiopian coffee and how it is the first place where coffee came from. Not only is Ethiopian coffee known for its complex, pungent taste, but it has its own ceremony.
The Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony refers to the daily ritual of many Ethiopian citizens. During this ceremony, they roast coffee beans in a special iron pan called a buna. Then, it’s placed over a small charcoal stove.
Stories say that people in Ethiopia discovered coffee when a goat breeder’s animals started acting strangely after eating berries from an outside tree. We all know that familiar feeling when you get buzzed off a coffee…
After examining the berries and brewing them coffee was born. And, now, we enjoy this delicious drink in our homes, businesses, and restaurants.
Taste
Although the history of Ethiopian coffee is fascinating, you’re probably wondering about the taste. These coffee beans are rich and full-bodied.
However, it’s worth knowing that there are nine different districts to grow coffee in Ethiopia. Here are the following areas where coffee is produced:
- Yirgacheffes
- Sidamo
- Harrar
- Bebeka
- Teppi
- Limu
- Dijmma
- Illubabor
- Lekempti
- Wellega
- Ghimbi
In terms of the individual tastes of the coffee beans from each area, you will get a different cup of coffee from everyone. For example, Sidamo beans are normally less expensive than Ethiopian Yirgacheffes coffee.
However, the coffee from Harrar is more fruity and has wine tones. But, if you’re looking for something sharp then Ghimbi coffee beans are known for their sharp, complex flavors.
As you can see, not only is the country important for your coffee but the area within the country will also change the taste. It might seem a lot to keep track of but once you know the basics, you’ll have no problem remembering!
Colombian Coffee
Moving onto Colombian coffee. Compared to Ethiopian coffee, Colombian coffee tends to be more medium-bodied. If you want a nice, refreshing morning coffee then these beans are for you!
The Colombian coffee market is made up of many small farms from all over the country. However, the most well-known areas for coffee are Medellin, Armenia, and Manizales.
Colombian coffee is one of the smoothest tastings and you can even taste some chocolate, sweet flavors. It’s perfect for a little pick me up first thing in the early morning or as an energy boost in the afternoon.
You can’t go wrong with this amazing bean as it has been around since the 1800s so it’s been time-tested to create a delicious flavor.
Colombian coffee is also grown on mountainside farms known as “fincas” which are placed at 1200 to 2000 meters off the ground. There’s another fun fact to tell your friends and family about!
What to Choose?
It’s hard to say which coffee is better and make a decision between Colombian coffee and Ethiopian coffee so it will depend on your personal preference.
That being said, there are some differences between South American and African coffees that could help you make your choice when you buy your next pack of coffee beans.
For instance, you might be thinking, does the climate determine the outcome of the bean? Well, both regions experience large amounts of rainfall throughout the year so there isn’t much of a contrast when it comes to rain.
So, if it isn’t the climate then how can you tell the quality and difference with your coffee beans.
Key Differences
When you’re looking for a high-quality coffee bean you have to think about the four main aspects of the coffee which are as follows:
1. Origin
2. Altitude
3. Variety
4. Processing
The first three points we’ve already covered in this article, that processing is another essential element when picking your coffee. The good news is, there aren’t too many processes to remember.
There are two common processes for coffee beans: natural or washed. These methods can also be referred to as dry and wet processing. During these processes, the coffee beans get dried and the outer layer removed.
If you can’t pick between Ethiopian and Colombian coffee then why not try both? Even if you’re an experienced coffee drinker or you want to try something new nothing is stopping you from experimenting with flavor.
Coffee Bean Quality Control
Once you’ve picked your beans, the next stage is checking the beans. Although you might already know this if you’ve been brewing for a while, it’s always good to have a refresh on coffee quality control.
The most obvious thing to examine is the size and shape of the coffee bean. You have to roast the same size beans together. So, large with large, and small with small. Otherwise, your brew will be uneven.
Next, take note of the smell. If it smells fresh then it probably is!
Finally, the color is also important. The edges should not be faded in color or pale as this could be a sign that they’re dried out. If they are white then it could also mean they are damaged.
So, the beans should be a healthy, brown color.
Choose Your Favorite Coffee
Picking a coffee is always a tough choice but there are numerous good Ethiopian and Colombian coffees on the market so you can’t go wrong with whatever you choose.
Think of it this way, if you like coffee traditional and full-flavored then Colmonian is the best option. However, if you’re looking to be adventurous and try something unique then Ethiopian coffee is your new coffee.
As well as choosing which style of coffee you’d like, you also need to find the best supplier to source your coffee.
The Best Options for Ethiopian and Colombian Coffee
Paradeco is not only passionate about the traditional coffee roasted methods, but they support women-owned farms and aim to be as environmentally friendly as possible.
Luckily, they also sell Colombian and Ethiopian coffee!
Ethiopia Kayon Mountain Farm Whole Bean Coffee
This delicious coffee is from Ethiopia and is naturally processed. To be specific, the region it comes from is Shakiso, East Guji, and Oromia. But, this company is not just about selling a product.
It’s about telling you the story behind the beans. The name of the owner of the farm that produces this coffee is Ismael Hassen Aredo and has been operating since 2012.
The farm is 510 kilometers south of Addis Adaba. While the coffee beans are growing the area has a shade cover. The washed coffee is then left to ferment for 24-36 hours after.
Afterward, they are dried on raised beds. Once the coffee is ready for drinking you can even taste raspberry, blueberry, and cocoa. Treat yourself to this coffee and you won’t regret it.
You could also gift it to a friend as a gift so you can enjoy this coffee together!
Colombia Very Berry Whole Bean Coffee
However, if you’re looking for a Colombian coffee bean then the Colombia Very Berry Whole Bean Coffee will be your new favorite flavor.
These coffee beans are washed processed and come from Tolima. This particular coffee comes directly from exporters in Colombia. Therefore, you’re guaranteed to get a fresh and uplifting taste when drinking this.
You can roast these coffee beans light and you can even taste wild berries, cherry, and caramel once it’s brewed. Doesn’t that sound incredible? It’s the ultimate combination of happiness.
Tips for Finding Your Style of Coffee
Choosing your style of coffee might seem impossible with all the endless options available in the market and the list doesn’t keep growing. Every day there seems to be a new coffee bean or coffee shop opening up.
So, how do you find your style of coffee?
No matter if you choose Ethiopian or Colombian coffee there are a few basic rules to follow when picking your flavor. To start, you need to know if you like Arabica or Robusta.
However, the only way to know this is to try lots of varieties. Therefore, you can ask a friend to go with you on a coffee crawl or treat yourself to a variety of beans to roast at home.
Plus, you need to learn your caffeine tolerance. Lightly roasted beans have the highest level of caffeine so if you need a strong push in the morning this is the bean for you!
Once you know your preference and coffee tolerance, you’ll have to double-check the roasting date. This date will tell you how many days have passed since the beans roasting.
These basic rules will make sure you get the best coffee available.
Get Your Coffee From Experts That Care
Coffee has become a staple in every household. You can have it in a group of people, alone, or as a celebration at an event. Drinking coffee is a precious experience and is even a ritual in Ethiopia.
Amongst the many different types of coffee beans, Ethiopian coffee and Colombian coffee are amongst the most flavorsome. Yet, they have completely separate tastes and origins.
Ethiopia is the home of coffee, but Colombia is a highly respected part of the coffee-making world. So, deciding between the two will come down to what you like to drink and your tastebuds.
If you want to treat yourself to a new coffee then Paradeco is the best coffee supplier that provides these two forms of coffee beans. Have a browse and try something exciting today!
