Arabica Coffee
Coffea arabica
Panama's Geisha coffee is considered one of the best and most expensive coffees in the world. Grown in the fertile volcanic soils of Chiriquí, it has put Panama on the world specialty coffee map.
Coffea arabica, native to Ethiopia, found an exceptional home in the highlands of Chiriquí. Introduced to Panama in the early 20th century, arabica coffee is mainly grown in the Boquete, Volcán, and Renacimiento regions, where altitude, cool climate, and volcanic soils create ideal conditions. The Geisha variety, rediscovered in Panama in 2004, produces a coffee of extraordinary aromatic complexity with notes of jasmine, bergamot, and tropical fruits, fetching record prices at international auctions. Panamanian specialty coffee is now a premium export product and a driver of wine-style tourism in the Chiriquí region.
Edibility
Roasted and ground seeds are used to prepare coffee. The fruit pulp is also edible.
Habitat
Cultivated in the highlands of Chiriquí, especially Boquete and Volcán, between 1000-2000 meters
Where to find it
Chiriquí