Colombian Coffee

Coffee is at record-high prices, which is good news for coffee growers, altho perhaps not for drinkers.

Colombia is only the world's fourth largest coffee producer. However, it is known for high-quality coffee - just ask the Colombians themselves.

Coffee once powered Colombia's economy, although it's since fallen to being the third most important export, after oil and coal. But it is certainly the most environmentally sustainable of the three.

Ironically, Colombians commonly drink a cheap type of coffee called 'tinto', sometimes made of beans imported from Brazil or even Vietnam. Most of Colombia's quality beans are exported to Europe and the U.S.

Colombia's coffee production has declined in recent years, due in part to climate change, which has raised temperatures and changed rainfall patterns. 

Cafe de la Fonda says it's Bogotá's oldest coffee producer and exports to Chile, Italy, France and Germany. The company also has an environmental ethic - it produces some organic coffee, and collects its smoke and ashes. The organic ashes are collected by local nuns to make paper and by flower growers for compost.

Esteban, of Cafe de la Fonda, creates art with coffee and milk!

An Indian head-dress

A fern.

Blogged by Mike Ceaser, of Bogota Bike Tours and Rentals