What is terroir?

If you're a coffee enthusiast, you've likely heard the term "terroir" thrown around when discussing the flavors and characteristics of your favorite brews. Or maybe you’re more familiar with the term “single-origin”. But what exactly is “terroir”? And how does the origin of a type of coffee affect its quality and flavor? Explore this fascinating concept through the lens of coffee with us!

(Cooperativa Renacimiento in Solola, Guatemala)

Terroir (pronounced ter-WAHr) is a French term that encompasses the environmental factors that influence the characteristics of agricultural products, particularly wine, coffee, and tea. It includes elements such as soil composition, climate, altitude, topography, and even the cultural practices of the region where the crop is grown. These factors collectively contribute to the unique flavor profile and quality of the final product.

(Kagamuga dry mill in Jiwaka Province, Papua New Guinea)

Terroir in Coffee

In the realm of coffee, terroir plays a crucial role in shaping the taste, aroma, and overall sensory experience of the beans. The climate, soil, altitude, topography and even cultural practices of an area all contribute directly to the farming & production of the beans, the way we choose to roast them, and ultimately the flavor in your cup;

Climate

The temperature, humidity levels, and amount of rainfall in a region significantly impact coffee growth. For instance, higher altitudes with cooler temperatures often produce beans with more complex flavors and higher acidity.

Soil

The composition of the soil affects the nutrients available to the coffee plants. Volcanic soils, for example, are known to impart distinct mineral qualities to the beans, while well-drained soils can influence the plant's health and flavor development. 

Altitude

Coffee grown at higher altitudes tends to mature more slowly, resulting in denser beans with more concentrated flavors. For example, our Colombia Arboleda single-origin is grown at altitudes up to 2200 meters, resulting in a really juicy and flavorful coffee. 

Topography

Factors like slope and orientation to the sun can affect how much sunlight and water the coffee plants receive, which in turn influences their growth and flavor development. Many coffee farms are grown on natural hills and slopes to promote more sustainable irrigation and higher quality coffee plants.

Cultural Practices

Local farming techniques, processing methods, and traditions also contribute to the terroir of coffee. For example, shade-grown or sun-grown coffee can lead to different flavor profiles due to variations in how the plants interact with their environment. Similarly, processing methods vary widely based on where they are practiced and what traditions have been passed down in that particular area. 

Many coffee producers across the world collaborate with other local farmers to create co-operatives, where farms can deliver all of the coffee grown in a larger area to a mill or production facility, to maximize their local production & economy. Our Ethiopia Ardi is an example of a co-op grown coffee - a group of farmers in the Sidama region of Ethiopia deliver their best beans to a local facility where producers thoughtfully process each batch with the same, natural method. This results in a delicious, consistently fruit-forward coffee year-round- and more sustainable, efficient and productive farms. 

(Ecoterra co-op in Narino, Colombia)

Why Terroir Matters

Understanding terroir helps coffee roasters and enthusiasts appreciate the diversity of coffee flavors from different regions. It allows us to recognize and celebrate the unique characteristics that each origin brings to the cup. By paying attention to terroir, roasters can highlight the distinctiveness of single-origin coffees and showcase the craftsmanship of the farmers who cultivate them.

Terroir connects us to the land where the beans are grown and the people who nurture them. Next time you savor a cup of coffee, take a moment to consider the journey it took from the mountainside farms to your mug, and appreciate the rich tapestry of terroir that makes each sip a unique experience.

(Finca Medina in Antigua, Guatemala)

At Blossom Coffee Roasters, we take pride in sourcing coffees that exemplify the finest expressions of terroir. Explore our selection of single-origin beans to taste the difference that terroir makes firsthand.

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