What makes Colombian coffee beans special?
Colombian coffee beans are renowned for their exceptional quality, balanced flavour, and consistency. Colombia's unique geography provides ideal growing conditions – high altitude, volcanic soil, and a climate with just the right amount of rainfall and sunshine. Colombia primarily grows premium Arabica beans, known for their superior flavour complexity compared to Robusta varieties. Colombian coffee typically offers a perfect balance of body, acidity, and sweetness with distinctive nutty and caramel notes.
How is Colombian coffee graded?
Colombian coffee is graded primarily by bean size and quality. The highest grade is "Supremo," featuring the largest beans (screen size 17/18), followed by "Excelso" (screen size 15/16). Bean size often correlates with flavour development, with larger beans typically offering more complex flavours. Our Colombian coffee beans meet strict quality standards, ensuring you receive beans with optimal flavour potential, even development, and minimal defects.
What flavours should I expect from Colombian coffee?
Colombian coffee is celebrated for its well-balanced profile featuring medium body, moderate acidity, and pronounced sweetness. Our Colombian beans offer prominent notes of caramel, hazelnuts, and almonds. Depending on the specific growing region and processing method, you might also detect subtle hints of chocolate, citrus, or red fruits. The medium roast profile we've selected enhances these natural flavours while maintaining the bean's inherent character and complexity.
How should I store Colombian coffee beans?
To preserve the distinctive flavours of your Colombian coffee beans, store them in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. Avoid refrigerating your beans, as this can introduce unwanted moisture when the container is opened. Instead, keep them in a cool, dark cupboard and purchase in quantities you can use within 3-4 weeks of opening. Grinding just before brewing will ensure you experience the full spectrum of flavours these exceptional beans have to offer.
Are Colombian coffee beans higher in caffeine?
Colombian coffee beans are primarily Arabica, which typically contains less caffeine than Robusta varieties. A standard cup of Colombian coffee contains approximately 95-165 mg of caffeine, depending on brewing method and serving size. While the caffeine content is sufficient to provide a pleasant energy boost, Colombian coffee is more celebrated for its sophisticated flavour profile than its caffeine content. If you enjoy coffee for its taste rather than just its stimulating effects, Colombian beans are an excellent choice.
Can Colombian coffee beans be used for espresso?
Yes. Colombian coffee beans make exceptional espresso with a balanced flavour profile and beautiful crema. The medium roast level of our Colombian beans creates the perfect foundation for espresso, providing enough body and caramelised sugars without the bitterness of darker roasts. When prepared as espresso, these beans reveal concentrated caramel sweetness balanced by gentle acidity and a smooth, lingering finish that pairs beautifully with milk in cappuccinos and lattes.
Explore our complete collection of coffee beans from Caffé Prima, featuring exceptional blends and single-origin coffees to suit every taste and brewing style.