I love coffee. There’s something about the aroma and the taste that just gets me every time. I’ve tried all kinds of coffee, from the local coffee shop to the fancy espresso machines, but nothing compares to Gesha Coffee. If you haven’t heard of it before, let me guide you through the world’s most exquisite brew.
What Is Gesha Coffee?
Gesha coffee is a type of coffee that is known for its exceptional quality and unique flavor profile. It takes its name from the Gesha village in Ethiopia, where it was first discovered in the 1930s. The coffee plants in this region produce beans that have a distinct floral and tea-like taste, making it stand out from other types of coffee.
The Birth of Gesha Coffee
The story of how Gesha coffee came to be is quite fascinating. In the 1950s, the Panamanian government decided to experiment with different coffee varieties to improve their coffee industry. They imported coffee plants from various countries, including Ethiopia. Among these plants was the Gesha variety.
The farmers in Panama planted the Gesha coffee plants alongside other varieties, but it was soon evident that Gesha was something special. Its flavor profile was exceptional, and it quickly gained a reputation for being one of the best coffees in the world.
Gesha Coffee’s Rise to Fame
Gesha coffee gained international recognition in 2004 when a batch of coffee from a Panamanian farm called Hacienda La Esmeralda won the Best Coffee in the World title at the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s annual conference. This win put Gesha coffee in the spotlight and created a high demand for this remarkable brew.
Word spread, and coffee enthusiasts from around the world began to seek out Gesha coffee. The limited supply and high demand for this coffee made it one of the most expensive coffees on the market. Coffee connoisseurs were willing to pay top dollar for a taste of this intricate and flavorful brew.
The Flavor Profile of Gesha Coffee
What sets Gesha coffee apart from other types of coffee is its unique flavor profile. When brewed, it produces a cup of coffee that is light-bodied with a delicate, tea-like character. The taste is often described as having notes of jasmine, bergamot, and tropical fruits. It has a natural sweetness and a pleasant acidity that balances the flavors perfectly.
The floral aroma of Gesha coffee is captivating and adds to the overall sensory experience. It’s no wonder why coffee lovers and experts alike consider Gesha coffee to be the pinnacle of coffee excellence.
How Gesha Coffee Is Grown
Gesha coffee grows best in high-altitude regions with cool temperatures and fertile soil. The coffee plants require careful cultivation and attention to detail to ensure optimal growth. The farmers who produce Gesha coffee pay close attention to factors such as soil composition, rainfall, and shade cover to create the ideal environment for these coffee plants.
The coffee cherries, which contain the coffee beans, take longer to ripen compared to other varieties. The farmers patiently wait for the optimal time to harvest, ensuring that the cherries are fully ripe and bursting with flavor.
The cherries are hand-picked to maintain the highest quality standards. Each cherry is carefully inspected and processed to remove any defective beans. The beans are then washed, dried, and sorted before they are ready for roasting.
Roasting and Brewing Gesha Coffee
Roasting is a crucial step in bringing out the best flavors of Gesha coffee. The beans need to be roasted to perfection to maintain their delicate characteristics. Roasters take great care in the roasting process to ensure that the coffee beans are not over-roasted, which could mask the subtle nuances of the flavor profile.
When it comes to brewing Gesha coffee, precision and attention to detail are key. Baristas and coffee enthusiasts experiment with different brewing methods to highlight the unique flavors of this exquisite coffee. Pour-over methods, such as the Hario V60 or Chemex, are popular choices, as they allow for a clean and pure extraction of flavors.
The Price of Excellence
It’s no secret that Gesha coffee comes with a hefty price tag. Due to its limited supply and high demand, it is one of the most expensive coffees in the world. The exclusivity and rarity of Gesha coffee contribute to its high price, but for many coffee lovers, the experience of sipping on this exceptional brew is well worth it.
Where to Find Gesha Coffee
Gesha coffee is not an everyday brew that you can find in your local supermarket. It is often sold in specialty coffee shops, online retailers, or directly from the farms themselves. The internet has made it easier for coffee enthusiasts to access Gesha coffee from various regions around the world.
If you’re lucky enough to come across Gesha coffee, don’t hesitate to give it a try. Treat yourself to the experience of savoring one of the most exquisite and sought-after coffees in the world.
In Conclusion
Gesha coffee is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of coffee cultivation and brewing. Its distinct flavor profile and exceptional quality have made it a favorite among coffee lovers and experts globally. While it may come with a higher price tag, the experience of tasting Gesha coffee is unparalleled, and for many, it’s a true indulgence in the world of coffee. So, if you ever have the opportunity to try Gesha coffee, I highly recommend it.