🔥☕️Cómo se produce el café ? ( cultivos )

Introduction to Coffee Cultivation

Overview of the Session

• Santiago Patiño introduces himself and the purpose of the session, which is to discuss all aspects of coffee cultivation from planting to final sale.

• The session aims to be interactive, encouraging viewers from various social media platforms to share their thoughts and questions about coffee.

Historical Context of Coffee

• Before diving into varieties, Santiago emphasizes the importance of understanding coffee's history, tracing its origins back to Ethiopia and its journey through Europe and Central America.

• He notes that Colombia primarily cultivates 100% Arabica coffee, highlighting its significance in global production.

Coffee Varieties and Global Production

Key Coffee Species

• Discussion on major coffee species: Arabica (Coffea arabica) and Robusta (Coffea canephora), with a focus on Arabica as the primary variety grown in Colombia.

• Various Arabica varieties mentioned include Castillo, Tabi, Geisha, Bourbon, among others.

Global Coffee Production Insights

• Brazil is identified as the world's largest producer of coffee, predominantly growing Arabica; Vietnam follows with a focus on Robusta.

• Colombia ranks third globally for coffee production known for its smooth taste profile characterized by chocolate and caramel notes.

Coffee Cultivation Process

Seed Germination and Planting Techniques

• Overview of global production statistics: Brazil exports around 70 million sacks annually; Vietnam approximately 25 million; Colombia around 14 million; Indonesia about 11 million.

• Introduction to seed germination process using a cherry (cereza de café), explaining how seeds are extracted for planting.

Growing Conditions and Care

• Explanation of how seedlings are nurtured in sand-filled containers called almácigos for optimal rooting before being transplanted.

• After about 60 days post-sowing, seedlings develop initial leaves known as chapolas.

Transplanting Seedlings

Preparing for Transplantation

• Once chapolas are ready after six months in bags filled with soil, they are prepared for transplanting into fields.

Factors Influencing Growth

Coffee Production Insights in Colombia

Growth and Competition of Coffee Plants

• The coffee tree is currently small but will grow large enough to compete with another tree for light and nutrients within 2-3 years, potentially leading to lower production.

Flowering and Pollination Process

• The first flowering occurs between 18 to 24 months, depending on environmental conditions. The flower, known as "flor de azahar," has a jasmine scent and lasts about 3-5 days before falling off.

• Only about 1% of the coffee plants are pollinated by bees or other insects; after pollination, it takes approximately nine months for the coffee cherries to be ready for harvest.

Harvesting Seasons in Colombia

• In Colombia, there are two main harvest seasons: the primary harvest occurs in April-May (60-70% of production), while a secondary harvest happens around November-December, known as "mitaca" or "travesía."

Optimal Harvesting Conditions

• Only fully ripe red cherries are harvested to ensure maximum sugar concentration in the beans, which directly impacts cup quality.

Coffee Bean Characteristics

• The variety discussed is "guecha," part of the Arabica species. Colombian farms exclusively cultivate Arabica coffee.

Importance of Soil Quality and Microorganisms

• High-quality beans result from good fertilization practices and fertile soil enriched with organic matter from shade trees that create a beneficial microclimate for slower maturation.

Sugar Concentration Measurement

• The optimal sugar concentration in beans is measured using Brix degrees; ideal levels range from 20 to 24 degrees Brix for high-quality coffee.

Pests Affecting Coffee Production

Roya (Leaf Rust)

• Roya is a dangerous fungus that affects leaves and can lead to significant crop loss. It was introduced to Colombia around 1982 after affecting crops globally.

Broca (Coffee Borer Beetle)

• Broca damages beans by boring into them; prevention methods include using pesticides or sustainable techniques like collecting leftover cherries post-harvest.

Sustainable Practices in Coffee Farming

• A regenerative approach involves collecting all remaining cherries after harvesting to prevent Broca reproduction. This method supports sustainability while maintaining productivity.

Engagement and Knowledge Sharing