Mexican Altura coffee is a type of coffee that is grown in the high-altitude regions of Mexico, typically at elevations above 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) above sea level. The term “Altura” is Spanish for “high altitude,” which refers to the ideal growing conditions for this type of coffee.
Mexican Altura coffee is known for its mild flavor profile, which is characterized by a smooth, nutty taste and a light to medium body. The coffee is often described as having a slightly sweet, chocolatey taste, with a low acidity and a clean finish.
In addition to its delicious taste, Mexican Altura coffee is also known for its sustainable and environmentally friendly growing practices. Many coffee farms in Mexico use traditional growing methods, including shade-grown coffee and organic farming practices, which help to preserve the natural ecosystem and minimize the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals.
Overall, Mexican Altura coffee is a delicious and sustainable choice for coffee lovers who appreciate a mild, nutty flavor profile and environmentally friendly growing practices.
Where is Mexican Altura coffee grown?
Mexican Altura coffee is grown in the high-altitude regions of Mexico, typically at elevations above 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) above sea level. The coffee is grown in several regions of Mexico, including Chiapas, Oaxaca, Puebla, and Veracruz.
The altitude and climate in these regions provide ideal growing conditions for coffee, with cooler temperatures, ample rainfall, and well-draining soil. The high altitude also slows down the maturation of the coffee beans, resulting in a more complex and flavorful taste profile.
Mexican Altura coffee is typically grown on small, family-owned farms that use traditional growing methods, including shade-grown coffee and organic farming practices. These sustainable and environmentally friendly practices help to preserve the natural ecosystem and minimize the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals.
How much Mexican Altura coffee is produced each year?
It is difficult to estimate the exact amount of Mexican Altura coffee produced each year, as it is grown on small, family-owned farms throughout the high-altitude regions of Mexico. However, Mexican coffee production as a whole accounts for approximately 4% of global coffee production.
According to the International Coffee Organization, Mexico produced approximately 3.5 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee in the 2020/2021 coffee year. It is estimated that a small percentage of this coffee is Mexican Altura coffee, which is grown in the high-altitude regions of the country.
Overall, Mexican Altura coffee is a relatively small but highly valued segment of the Mexican coffee industry, appreciated by coffee connoisseurs for its unique taste profile and sustainable growing practices.
Why is Mexican Altura coffee desirable?
Mexican Altura coffee is desirable for several reasons:
- Unique flavor profile: Mexican Altura coffee is known for its mild and nutty flavor profile, with a slightly sweet, chocolatey taste and a clean finish. The high-altitude growing conditions and traditional farming methods used to cultivate this coffee result in a unique and delicious taste.
- Sustainable growing practices: Many Mexican Altura coffee farmers use traditional growing methods, including shade-grown coffee and organic farming practices, which help to preserve the natural ecosystem and minimize the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals. This makes Mexican Altura coffee a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice for coffee lovers.
- High-quality beans: The high-altitude growing conditions in Mexico, combined with the care and attention given to each coffee plant, result in high-quality coffee beans that are highly sought after by coffee connoisseurs.
- Fair trade and ethical sourcing: Many Mexican Altura coffee farmers are part of fair trade and ethical sourcing initiatives, which ensure that the farmers receive fair prices for their coffee beans and are able to invest in their communities and families.
Overall, Mexican Altura coffee is desirable because it offers a unique taste profile, sustainable growing practices, high-quality beans, and fair trade and ethical sourcing initiatives that benefit the farmers and their communities.
