Typical specialty coffee producing countries include Ethiopia, Kenya, Colombia, and Guatemala, but with the introduction of Geisha variety, Panama has suddenly increased its presence as a specialty coffee producing country.

 

Panama received a lot of attention at Geisha , but it is a production region with high potential because the "microclimate" that defines specialty coffee occurs due to geographical conditions, making it easy for the uniqueness of the region to be exhibited.

 

This time we will explain the main production areas in Panama and their characteristics.

The Republic of Panama is a country located in Central America, connecting North and South America. It borders Costa Rica to the west and Colombia to the east. Panama's area is approximately 75,000 square meters. Panama is famous for the Panama Canal, but other major industries include shipping, mining, and Hikaru , and coffee is a major agricultural product.

 

It is an isthmus country that connects the North American and South American continents, and the country is long and narrow. This topographical feature creates a unique microclimate influenced by both the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans. The climate is hot and humid subtropical, with a rainy season from May to December and a dry season from January to April, and the climate varies from region to region.

 

80% of the country is mountainous, and much of the rest is tropical rainforest. Baru Volcano, located in the Chiriquí Department in western Panama, is the highest peak.
The climate is tropical, and the area around Baru Volcano has fertile volcanic soil and a wide temperature range, making it an ideal environment for coffee cultivation.

 

Bar Volcano is a stratovolcano that erupted in the 16th century. The eruption scattered tephra into the surrounding soil, making the area around the volcano fertile and rich in nutrients, making it an ideal environment for growing coffee. Panama's high-quality Arabicas are mainly produced in the Boquete, Renacimiento, and Tierra Altas areas of the Chiriqui department around Baru Volcano.

 

Approximately 70% to 80% of the coffee grown in Panama is Arabica, and the remaining 20% ​​to 30% is Robusta. The Arabica grown in the Chiriquí department is primarily exported, while the Robusta grown in Panama's lowlands is primarily consumed locally. Robusta is mainly grown in low-lying areas such as Cocle, Panama Oeste, and Colon.

 

Coffee cultivation in Panama began late in Central America, starting between 1870 and 1890 in the Boquete area of ​​Chiriquí Department on the west side of Panama.

 

This district of Boquete is located on the eastern slope of Baru Volcano. It is further subdivided into regions such as Bajo Boquete, Alto Boquete, Caldera, Jaramillo, and Palmira. The south side is a valley, with the Baru Volcano to the west and the Tamaranka Mountains to the north.

Boquete is a highland with an altitude of 1,200m to 2,100m, and from May to December it receives rainfall mainly from the Pacific Ocean side, and from December to March it receives rainfall mainly from Masahiro Ocean side. Temperatures range from 10°C to 26°C, from drier places to places with very humid microclimates with a lot of rainfall.

The misty rain from Masahiro ocean side is known as ``bajareke,'' and the northern lands are enveloped in this rain throughout the year.

Rainfall from the Pacific side affects southern lands such as Palmyra and Jaramillo, while the central region is affected by both types of rainfall.

 

Boquete is blessed with such a rich soil and climate that changes within a small area, producing coffee that conveys the uniqueness of the area, or terroir, and is Panama's number one specialty coffee producing area.

 

The representative farm in this area, which some of you may have already noticed from the area name above, is the Esmeralda Farm, which played a role in spreading the name of Geisha around the world. Esmeralda Farm produces in lots in different plots scattered throughout the region, and even with the same Geisha variety, you can experience different flavors that express the terroir depending on where the farm is located.

 

The Cotowa farm of Ricardo Coiner, who served as the president of the Panama Specialty Coffee Association, is also located in this Boquete area.

Cotowa Farm is a farm that has gained worldwide recognition as a farm that truly represents Panamanian specialty coffee. Our environmental initiatives are also advanced, such as protecting the local environment and providing electricity through hydroelectric power generation.

 

The Renacimiento district is located in the western part of the Chiriquí department. This area is adjacent to La Amistad National Park on the border with Costa Rica.

The altitude ranges from 600m to 2,500m, from the humid tropics to the high-altitude temperate zone, and the microclimate created by the various altitudes and topography produces a variety of coffees. For this reason, it has become a noteworthy production area.

 

In the region, the Renacimiento Producers Association works to increase the value of coffee in the region by promoting exports, improving coffee production and prices, protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for small producers. .

Hartman Farm is located in Santa Clara, the highest point in the Renacimiento area. This coffee farm was developed in what was once a remote mountainous area, and now offers echo tours that take advantage of the rich nature.

 

In the Renacimiento area, a variety of varieties including Geisha are grown, and in recent years the Hartman family's farm has been winning awards in the Geisha category of the international competition ``Best of Panama.'' With this Hartman Farm at the forefront, efforts are being made by producers looking to Geisha and its future.

 

After being rediscovered at Esmeralda Farm, Geisha 's meteoric rise continues to this day. The unique and noble flavor, also known as Geisha flavor, shocked the coffee industry and quickly became highly acclaimed all over the world.

 

However, Geisha is not the only appeal of Panama coffee. Panama has a variety of regional climates and produces high quality coffee that allows you to feel the terroir. Please come and experience its charm.

Currently, CROWD ROASTER offers a lineup of extremely high quality coffee from farms that represent Panama's specialty coffee.

We carry the Hartman family farm, which has won first place many times at the international competition ``Best of Panama,'' and the Cotowa Farm, a pioneer of specialty coffee in Panama. Please try.

2024.1.24

CROWD ROASTER