Exploring the world through coffee is not only enjoyable, it is also an interesting look into different cultures and traditions.
One of my favorite souvenirs and gifts for friends and family is coffee from around the world. As a former barista and coffee enthusiast, I love visiting coffee producing countries and exploring the methods used to brew coffee in each country as well as how coffee produced from farm to cup.
Coffee farm tours are an excellent way to learn about the local coffee production, but if time does not permit this adventure, coffee tasting at local coffee shops serving beans from a variety of local roasters is an great substitute. In Panama and Hawaii, we have taken tours of coffee plantations while in Colombia and Guatemala we opted for coffee tastings at many coffee houses to get a taste of the local coffee production.
Even in countries where coffee is enjoyed without producing it, I am an enthusiastic student of the processes and flavors.
Guatemala: The low price point of their incredibly smooth medium roast coffees makes it easy to bring back a sizeable amount of coffee from local shops.
Panama: The coffee in Panama (Boquete region) is simply incredible! Geisha coffee, grown here, is one of the most expensive types of coffee at $60 for a 8.75 oz bag, we tried just a cup at the shop for the full Panamanian coffee experience.
We recommend the coffee farm tour through Cafe Ruiz, their coffee is extraordinary and the tour was entertaining and interesting.
Colombia: We learned the beauty and smooth flavor produced by the Chemex when drinking brewed coffee in Colombia, thanks to many demonstrations by coffee houses and café owners. We converted to this method once we returned home with many pounds of coffee beans in tow.
Eastern Europe: Most often we have run into Turkish-style coffee brewing at local homes while espresso and cappuccinos abound at cafes. My family in Slovenia has ensured that I have learned proper Turkish coffee brewing technique.
Slovenia: Iced coffee (ledena kava) is a delicious treat that often comes with ice cream!
Cyprus: Coffee was key in all of our many social interactions with locals in Cyprus. Cypriots drink mini cups of Turkish-style coffee, so one can indulge in many cups!
Finland: Another country of coffee enthusiasts. Look for ground coffee infused with cardamom at the grocery or organic food store.
USA - Hawaii: Kauai Coffee has a nice coffee farm tour and options for tasting.
England: Coffee is hit and miss in England, but Moon Roast coffee brand is one brand worth searching for.
Italy: Espresso, of course!
Czech Republic: One Sip was a "must visit" after my brother gifted me their coffee after his Christmas trip to the Czech Republic.
Croatia: Eli's Caffe in Zagreb makes a fabulous cappuccino with excellent beans worth bringing home and gifting to those you like most.
Cuba: We had some very nice local coffee in Cuba, our favorite was
Comentários