Vietnamese Coffee Beans are renowned for their unique flavor and aroma, which is revered by coffee enthusiasts all over the world. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the world of Vietnamese Coffee Beans and explore all that there is to know about these bold and flavorful beans.
We will take a look at the rich Vietnamese Café Culture and the different types of coffee that are popular in the country. We will also examine the intricate coffee production process, including the growing regions of Vietnam, roasting techniques, and brewing methods.
Our aim is to provide you with a detailed insight into the world of Vietnamese Coffee Beans and highlight why they are so highly sought after. So, sit back, relax, and join us on this coffee journey!
Vietnamese Café Culture
Vietnam is known to produce some of the best coffee beans in the world. With the country’s booming café culture, it’s no surprise that Vietnamese coffee is in high demand. But what sets Vietnamese coffee apart from the rest?
For one, the country’s unique geography plays a role. The high altitude in the Central Highlands region provides the perfect conditions for growing some of the world’s best coffee beans.
Additionally, Vietnam’s coffee production is heavily influenced by French colonization, with French-style coffee being a popular choice among locals.
Vietnamese coffee is often brewed with a phin filter, a small, metal coffee filter that produces a strong, rich taste. And with coffee prices averaging under a dollar, enjoying a delicious cup of Vietnamese coffee has never been more accessible.
It’s no wonder that coffee drinkers in Asia have doubled since 1990, and with the popularity of Vietnamese coffee only continuing to grow, it’s safe to say the trend will continue.
Types of Vietnamese Coffee
In Vietnam, coffee culture is deeply embedded in society, with coffeehouses occupying nearly every street corner. The country is known for producing high-quality coffee beans, with the vast majority of production coming from the robusta species.
However, there is a growing trend towards arabica coffee, particularly the Catimor sub-variety, which is gaining popularity among Vietnamese farmers. In addition, innovative local shops like Bosgaurus and La Viet are introducing more exotic varieties like Bourbon and Typica to consumers, showcasing the potential for diversity in Vietnamese coffee production.
Despite the dominance of robusta, the expanding range of flavors highlights the potential for the Vietnamese coffee industry to evolve beyond the traditional flavors that have defined it for decades. With a deep-rooted coffee culture in place, it’s exciting to see the emergence of new flavors that challenge traditional assumptions and offer consumers a taste of something new.
1. Vietnamese Robusta Coffee
Vietnam produces various types of coffee beans, with the most popular being Robusta coffee. Research shows that Robusta coffee accounts for over 90% of coffee production in Vietnam, making it the country’s main type of coffee bean.
This type of coffee is highly suitable for the climate and soil of the Central Highlands, leading to higher yields annually. The best Robusta beans are harvested from the central highlands region due to higher elevations, which results in a unique and more robust aroma that sets it apart from other types of coffee beans.
In addition to its aroma, Robusta coffee also contains higher amounts of caffeine than Arabica and has 60% less sugar and fats. Its strong and bitter taste is highly popular among men, and Robusta coffee is also not fermented like Arabica, but rather dried, which contributes to its distinct taste profile.
When tasting Robusta, notes of chocolate, nutty, and earthy flavors can usually be detected, contributing to its unique taste experience. Overall, Robusta coffee offers a robust and bold flavor that is perfect for those looking for a more intense coffee experience.
2. Vietnamese Arabica Coffee
Arabica is, undoubtedly, one of the most popular types of coffee beans in the world, and Vietnam has successfully carved out its niche in the Arabica market. The Catimor variety of Arabica, which is a hybrid of robusta and Arabica, is the most commonly grown type in Vietnam.
This strain of Arabica is well suited to the country’s high elevations and cooler climate, making it perfect for cultivation in the Lam Dong province. Unlike robusta beans, which are often bitter and have a smoky flavor, the Arabica beans have a light, fruity taste which is sometimes noted as having a citrus flavor.
When enjoyed, Arabica coffee beans reveal a slightly acidic note, similar to the taste of sour lemon.
Although other premium varieties like Typica and Bourbon were introduced to Vietnam by Europeans in the 1980s, Catimor’s high yield has led to its popularity among the farmers. However, a new craft coffee movement in Vietnam is seeing a resurgence in farmers’ interest in Typica and Bourbon varieties.
In conclusion, while Catimor is the most widely cultivated Arabica variety in Vietnam, there is a growing market for other premium types, which bodes well for the nation’s coffee industry’s future.
3. Vietnamese Cherry Coffee Coffee
Cherry coffee, also known as jackfruit coffee, is a type of coffee bean that is primarily grown in dry, sunny, and windy lands. This particular type of Vietnamese bean is highly sought-after by women due to its unique flavor profile.
Cherry coffee is a unique variety of coffee that is highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it a preferred choice for many farmers in Vietnam. One of the defining characteristics of this bean is its tall stem, which is a distinguishing feature from other varieties.
Although known for its resilience, Cherry coffee’s taste is equally impressive, with a rich and almost fruity flavor. This unique flavor profile adds depth and complexity to Vietnamese coffee blends, and it is no surprise that it is widely used as a rootstock in combination with other coffee varieties.
Overall, Cherry Coffee stands out as an emblematic variety of Vietnamese coffee that has proven to be a crucial component in elevating the overall quality and taste of the country’s coffee industry.
In Vietnam, cherry coffee is mainly grown in Nghe An, Gia Lai, Kon Tum, and Quang Tri. When consumed, the coffee has a sour taste that is similar to that of cherry and a faint aroma that is reminiscent of ripe jackfruit.
The combination of sweetness from ripe fruit and slight bitterness from herbs and flowers admix to form an unforgettable taste that leaves a lasting impression on the taste buds.
In conclusion, cherry coffee is a type of Vietnamese coffee bean that stands out due to its distinct flavor, making it a favorite amongst coffee lovers in Vietnam and beyond.
4. Vietnamese Weasel Coffee Coffee
Weasel coffee, also known as civet coffee or kopi luwak, is a renowned type of Vietnamese coffee bean that has captured the attention of coffee enthusiasts around the world.
This unique variety of coffee is made from robusta beans that have been eaten and excreted by civet cats, resulting in a distinctly rich and smooth flavor that sets it apart from regular coffee beans.
This practice dates back to the time when coffee was banned by European colonists in Vietnam, and the locals found a way to consume it by processing beans that had passed through the digestive system of civet cats.
Weasel coffee has become highly prized for its exceptional flavor profile, which is both richer and more elegant than conventional robusta beans.
Due to its rarity and unique production process, this coffee commands a premium price, with some varieties fetching up to $600 per pound. For coffee aficionados seeking an unparalleled flavor experience, weasel coffee is a must-try.
5. Vietnamese Elephant Coffee Coffee
Among the many types of Vietnamese coffee beans, Elephant coffee stands out as a unique and flavorful option. Made from robusta beans that have been consumed and processed by elephants.
Elephant coffee has a distinctive taste that sets it apart from other varieties. This coffee is produced primarily in the central highlands region, where elephants roam freely and aid in the production process.
The flavor of Elephant coffee is sometimes compared to that of weasel coffee, but the contribution of elephant digestion adds an extra layer of richness and depth.
Many coffee enthusiasts appreciate the softening effect that the elephants have on the beans, resulting in a smoother and mellower taste.
Overall, Elephant Coffee represents a fascinating and innovative approach to coffee-making that has gained a dedicated following around the world.
6. Vietnamese Catimor County Coffee
Catimor County is a specific type of Vietnamese coffee bean that was bred in Portugal and introduced to the country in the year 1984. This unique bean is known for its low-growing, short branched nature, which enables it to be planted in high density and mature early.
The foliage of the Catimor variety is dense and covers the trunk, providing better protection against stem borers and promoting higher yields. This variety is well suited to Vietnam’s weather conditions and is typically grown in the central highlands of the country, where the climate is ideal for coffee cultivation.
Thanks to its unique properties, Catimor County is gaining popularity among coffee enthusiasts around the world, and it is widely recognized as a premium, high-quality coffee bean that is well worth trying. With its rich aroma, smooth flavor, and unique character, Catimor County is truly a one-of-a-kind coffee bean that is sure to delight even the most discerning coffee connoisseur.
Vietnamese Coffee Production
Vietnam has been rapidly expanding its coffee bean production since 1975, going from producing just 6,000 tons per year to an astonishing 2 million tons per year. This has made the country the second-largest producer of coffee beans in the world, with 1,650,000 tons produced in 2016 alone.
Coffee beans are the largest export from Vietnam, representing a staggering 18% of global exports. The French introduced coffee to Vietnam in 1857, and this had a profound influence on the country’s coffee culture.
Despite this, Vietnam has made a name for itself in specialty coffee markets, offering unique flavors and blends that reflect the country’s rich coffee history. The economic and political reforms of the 1990s enabled Vietnam to transform its once-struggling coffee industry into a major global player.
Today, Vietnamese coffee beans continue to be in high demand worldwide due to their exceptional quality and unique taste.
Vietnamese Coffee Growing Regions
Vietnamese coffee is grown in the Central Highlands of the country, which has become known for its ideal growing conditions for coffee. The region boasts a temperate climate that is neither too hot nor too cold, allowing the coffee trees to thrive.
The soil used for growing this coffee is basalt, which is known for its rich and fertile properties. This volcanic soil is nutrient-rich and provides the perfect environment for coffee trees to grow and produce high-quality beans.
In addition to coffee, this region is also renowned for producing premium-grade cacao and pepper, making it a hub of agricultural activity.
The farmers in this region work tirelessly to maintain the quality of their produce, ensuring that only the best coffee beans are selected for export.
As a result, Vietnamese coffee has become a favorite among coffee connoisseurs around the world, known for its unique flavor profile and distinctive aroma.
Roasting Vietnamese Coffee
Roasting plays a significant role in the Vietnamese coffee-making process. The traditional Vietnamese coffee beans are roasted to a dark roast, usually accompanied by distinct flavors like mocha, chicory, vanilla, and butter.
These various flavors help balance out the bold intensity of the coffee, giving it a unique taste. However, The traditional roasting style has been a staple in Vietnamese coffee culture for years, and while it is still widely popular, more and more coffee enthusiasts are introducing alternative roasting methods, celebrating the true essence of the coffee bean.
Brewing Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnamese coffee beans are typically Robusta beans, which have a higher caffeine content than Arabica beans commonly used in other parts of the world. The brewing process for Vietnamese coffee is slow and meticulous.
The phin, a small stainless-steel filter, is filled with coffee grounds, and hot water is added to the top. The water is allowed to slowly drip through the filter and into a small cup, resulting in a concentrated, strong cup of coffee. The process can take up to five minutes, but the result is worth the wait.
Vietnamese coffee is often enjoyed with sweetened condensed milk, which complements the strong, bold flavor of the coffee. This pairing has become a signature of Vietnamese coffee culture and is a must-try for coffee lovers visiting Vietnam.
