where the nuts come from: a tour of Brazilian beans
At OHCO, we love the vibrant world of Brazilian coffee. Every cup tells a tale rich in history, covering diverse landscapes (Brazil after all, is very, very, very big), and with a range of flavours that dance on our taste buds.
Brazil, is rightly hailed as the coffee powerhouse of the world. Its coffee cultivation dates back to the early 18th century when the country's soil and climate proved to be a perfect match for our hero, the coffee bean. The legend goes, and we always print the legend, that a Brazilian army officer, one Francisco de Mello Palheta, played a crucial role in bringing coffee seeds to his homeland.
In the 18th century, Palheta was sent on a diplomatic mission to French Guiana, where he managed to charm the French governor's wife into a passionate affair. As a parting gift, she presented him with a floral bouquet from the region, that included some of its famed coffee seeds. So from a torrid romance, and a small act of diplomacy, Brazil's coffee empire was born. How appropriate.
Now, let's talk about those beans. Brazil is synonymous with the Arabica variety, and these constitute the vast majority of its coffee production. The country's vast and varied landscapes provide optimal conditions for the Arabica to thrive, resulting in a bean that is smooth, mild, and boasts a very low acidity. The regions of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Bahia are renowned for producing some of the finest Arabica beans in the world, each with its unique flavour profile.
Sul de Minas, nestled in the heart of Minas Gerais, is celebrated for its sweet and velvety coffee. The beans from this region often carry notes of chocolate and nuts, creating a cup that is both comforting and indulgent.
Moving towards São Paulo, the Mogiana region delivers a more complex flavour profile, which introduces hints of fruitiness and a subtle acidity, making it a favourite among those who appreciate a more well-balanced, ‘rounded’ finish.
Venture further north up into to Bahia, and you'll encounter a very different coffee experience. The beans from this region are known for their full body and bold flavours, with an undertone of spice and a hint of natural sweetness.
But, espite its prevalence, Brazil isn’t just all-about-the-Arabica. The country is also a significant producer of Robusta beans too (like we said, it is a very big place), primarily grown in the country’s northeastern regions.
Robusta is well known for bold, earthy flavours and it packs a significant caffeine wallop, offering a robust (clue’s in the name we guess) producing a very intense experience. It might not be celebrated as its Arabica sibling, but the Brazilian Robusta really contributes to the country's diverse coffee landscape.
As for the flavours all this adds up to? Oh boy, Brazilian coffee, with its myriad of regional profiles, offers a huge variety of tastes to explore. Its very recognisable low acidity, provides a smooth and mellow experience. You’re going to find notes of caramel, chocolate, and nuts (natch!), creating a sweet and indulgent brew.
“Here at OHCO, we love a Brazilian*” says master roaster Paul. “Our Brasilia Mogiana blend has more chocolate than a Wonka factory really. But what we really love is that yes, it’s great on its own — really luxuriant, really indulgent — but it’s also really useful to smooth out a punchier, sharper coffee. If you have a blend that’s a little on the lemony side, mix in some Mogiana and it’s a bit of a revelation, just sands off those too-sharp edges, especially when that acidity has been packed into an espresso say.
“In the end, it’s no wonder that Brazilian beans are so prevalent and popular, like the country, people and landscape, you can’t help but to have fun and enjoy yourself.”
* As in the coffee! Honestly, how your mind works!
“Brazilian coffee, with its myriad of regional profiles, offers a huge variety of tastes to explore”
Find out more about our Smooth & Silky Brasilia Mogiana
