Gesha coffee variety – The quintessential representative of Specialty coffee

The Gesha coffee variety originates from a remote village in Ethiopia. It was discovered and the first plant samples were collected in 1936 in the Gesha region by a British consul. These samples were then brought to CATIE (Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza) in Costa Rica in 1953, registered as accession T2722. From there, Gesha coffee was introduced to Boquete (Panama) and other regions for cultivation.

During its spread and cultivation, a controversy arose over its name—Gesha or Geisha. After prolonged debates, most experts agreed that the correct spelling is “Gesha,” accurately reflecting its origin from the Gesha region in Ethiopia. This confusion is attributed to dialect variations, local slang, and oral transmission errors.

Gesha coffee originates from a remote village in Ethiopia. It was discovered and the first plant samples were collected in 1936 in the mountainous region named Gesha.

Gesha coffee is a hybrid variety within the Arabica species, highly regarded in the Specialty Coffee community not only for its unique origin and story but also for its exceptional qualities.

Plant characteristics and growth conditions 

Gesha coffee plants are relatively tall and slender. The berries and the beans inside are small to medium-sized, with an elongated shape. The yield of this variety is generally low, and the branches are fragile. It has a shallow root system, making it highly sensitive to moisture. The plants are prone to pests and diseases and have low resistance, necessitating meticulous care and specific growing conditions.

The Gesha coffee plant is relatively tall with slender stems, producing small to medium-sized coffee cherries and elongated beans.

These factors make Gesha notoriously difficult to cultivate. For optimal growth, Gesha requires high altitudes, cool climates, and nutrient-rich soil. It also demands moderate sunlight and appropriate shade density in the growing area.

Quality and flavor potential 

Despite its low yield and cultivation challenges, Gesha coffee boasts high quality and flavor potential. It flexibly showcases distinct aromas and sweet-and-sour nuances that vary according to the terroir of each coffee-growing region.

Gesha coffee holds great potential in terms of quality and flavor.

In regions with suitable environmental conditions and good farming techniques, Gesha coffee can absorb a rich array of aromatic compounds, acids, and natural sugars from the soil. Consequently, depending on the area, some Gesha varieties may exhibit delicate jasmine, peach notes, or prominent floral, tea-like, or tropical fruit flavors. In the cup, Gesha also presents a pleasant sweetness, clarity, and vibrant multi-layered flavors, offering a unique and delightful experience compared to ordinary coffee varieties.

The fame of Gesha coffee in the Specialty Coffee sector is akin to a journey of finding its true place.

Gesha coffee in Panama – The beginning of a legend 

Initially, Gesha varieties were not favored by farmers due to low yields. When introduced to the fertile Boquete region of Panama, the climate and soil conditions allowed Gesha to thrive and reveal its hidden potential.

The milestone for Gesha coffee came in 2004 when the Peterson family from Boquete, Panama, participated in the “Best of Panama” competition and auction. With its unique and novel quality and flavor, their Gesha batch astonished experts and tasters, earning exceptionally high scores and breaking the record price for green coffee at over $20 per pound. This event marked a turning point for Gesha coffee and laid the foundation for the prosperity of the global Specialty Coffee industry.

In 2004, the Gesha variety from the Peterson family farm in Boquete, Panama, won the championship in the Best of Panama competition due to its unique quality and flavor.

The international fame of Gesha coffee 

Following the initial success, the Peterson family continued to enter Gesha in competitions, consistently winning accolades. The fame of this coffee variety grew, accompanied by an ever-increasing value. By 2019, the price of some Gesha varieties reached up to $1,000 per pound. Though expensive, many people eagerly seek it, deeming the price justified.

The limited supply and meticulous cultivation process make Gesha coffee a rare gem in the coffee world. Its exclusivity and the demand it generates result in higher prices compared to other coffee varieties. However, for true coffee enthusiasts, the chance to savor Gesha coffee is a worthwhile and delightful investment. Gesha coffee’s success lies not only in its exceptional flavor but also in its story—a tale of dedication and superior quality.

The reputation of this coffee variety has grown significantly, leading to a continuous increase in its value. Notably, in 2019, the price of a type of Gesha reached up to $1,000 per pound.

Consequently, many coffee-growing regions worldwide have joined the Specialty Coffee field by pursuing the cultivation of Gesha coffee. They invest in farm systems, cultivation techniques, and suitable processing methods to produce high-quality beans that meet the special criteria. This has contributed to the rise in Specialty coffee production and consumption trends.

Gesha requires ideal coffee-growing conditions in terms of altitude, temperature, humidity, soil type, and more. Therefore, while it is grown in many countries, only a few regions produce truly exceptional beans. High-quality Gesha coffee production areas are concentrated in parts of East Africa, South America, and Asia, such as Panama, Colombia, Ethiopia, Peru, Ecuador, and more.

In Panama, Ninety Plus Estate is renowned for growing Gesha coffee on the slopes of the Chiriqui region. Ideal climatic conditions with high altitude, cool air, volcanic soil, and abundant rainfall result in outstanding Gesha beans.

In Colombia, Cafe Granja La Esperanza estate produces high-quality Gesha on the Cerro Azul hills. The region’s altitude and rich volcanic soil provide the necessary nutrients, yielding richly flavored and unique coffee.

Peru contributes with estates like Finca La Palestine and Nueva Alianza. These farms leverage the ideal highland soil and climate to produce top-notch Gesha beans that meet the expectations of coffee lovers worldwide.

Gesha coffee requires growth in regions with ideal coffee-growing conditions in terms of altitude, temperature, humidity, and diverse soil nutrients.

Ecuador, with Finca Soledad estate, is another renowned Gesha producer. The excellent natural conditions and meticulous cultivation processes at Finca Soledad create exceptional Gesha beans, enhancing this coffee variety’s global reputation.

Conclusion 

Gesha coffee stands out in the Specialty Coffee industry, with a long journey from Africa to global acclaim. It harbors immense potential, waiting for the right natural conditions and meticulous human effort to unleash its remarkable value. Beyond its timeless, unique flavor profile, Gesha coffee embodies the beauty of each land and the passion of its growers. Enjoy this special diversity, and you might embark on a magical coffee experience.

Question 1: What is the origin of Gesha coffee? 

Gesha coffee originates from the Gesha region in Ethiopia, discovered by a British consul in 1930.

Question 2: What challenges do Gesha coffee farmers face? 

Gesha coffee farmers face challenges such as low yields, fragile branches, shallow root systems, susceptibility to pests and diseases, and the need for meticulous care and specific growing conditions.

Question 3: What are the distinctive flavors of Gesha coffee? 

Gesha coffee is known for its delicate and rich flavors, with notes of jasmine or tropical fruits. It also exhibits a pleasant sweetness, clarity, and vibrant multi-layered flavors, creating a unique and captivating tasting experience depending on the region and cultivation techniques.

Question 4: What makes Gesha coffee special and expensive? 

Gesha coffee is special and expensive due to its rarity, limited supply, meticulous cultivation process, and its exquisite flavor profile.

Question 5: Which regions produce the most flavorful Gesha coffee? 

Regions with high altitudes, favorable microclimates, fertile soil, and meticulous cultivation practices produce the most flavorful Gesha coffee. Examples include Ninety Plus Estate in Panama, Café Granja Esperanza in Colombia, Finca La Palestine and Nueva Alianza in Peru, and Finca Soledad in Ecuador.