BRAZIL: A DIVERSE LAND PRODUCING EVEN MORE COLORFUL COFFEE

As the fifth largest country in the world, it can take a while to explore the marvels that Brazil has to offer. This country is a melting pot of nationalities where the culture’s influence by European and African roots is seen in its language, traditional ceremonies and clothing. Because of its size and diversity, Brazil is a nation that rightfully earns the name, “Land of Contrasts.”

Brazil hosts some of the most beautiful destinations for adventure junkies whether it’s hiking through one of its 72 national parks, or gazing at the irresistible sunsets on what looks like a never-ending coastline. Let’s not forget about the jaw-dropping view of Rio’s Christ the Redeemer–a site that’s admired by millions. Aside from its scenic beauty, it’s no secret that Brazil produces some of the best coffees in the world with its number of varieties, mutant-hybrids and cultivars.

History

Legend has it that the coffee plant was first introduced to Brazil in the 1700s through biological espionage. While on a diplomatic mission to find prized coffee seeds in French Guiana, Português Lieutenant Francisco de Melo Palheta seduced the governor’s wife to get his hands on her invaluable seeds. Smuggling them out of the country in a bouquet of flowers, de Melo Palheta planted the seeds in Para, northeastern Brazil, where they rapidly flourished, spreading down south all the way to Rio de Janeiro.

Unlike many other South American small coffee farms, Brazil’s coffee industry thrived off expansive estates, so it should come as no surprise that Brazil has been the top coffee producing country since the 1830s. These massive plantations especially catapulted wealth because of slave labor and ideal growing conditions. Referred to as the “coffee barons,” plantation owners had a strong hand in shaping Brazil’s policies that directly affected the coffee industry.

The coffee barons corrupt influence was finally challenged after the abolition of slavery in 1888, the decline in global demand for coffee after the Great Depression of 1930, and Brazil’s entrance into the International Coffee Agreement (ICA) in 1962. The ICA established quotas and taxing for the world’s leading plantation owners. Once the quotas were dropped in 1989, Brazil paved the way for producing specialty coffee–single origin varieties that continue to be admired today.

Brazil Daterra Villa Borghesi

There is more to Daterra’s philosophy than just great coffee. Preserving the Eco-Social System around its plantations, Daterra is one of the world-famous farms where coffee is produced with an inspiring commitment to both quality and sustainability. Certified since 2003, all Daterra coffee farms have been a part of the Rainforest Alliance, ensuring that they preserve soil and natural resources and practice fair labor conditions.

The Brazil Daterra Villa Borghesi makes for a luring cup with floral, fruit, and hazelnut on the break–making the palate curious as to what the cup holds. Rich in fruit flavors, the cup has a mild acidity with a medium-full body leading to a sweet-clean finish.

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Header Photo Credit: Raphael Nogueira