Introduction –
When it comes to coffee, Nigeria is a cocktail of cultures, flavours, and untapped potential. Nigerian coffee, with its rich palette of flavours, is a testament to the country’s agricultural wealth and diversity. Even though Nigerians are not typically coffee drinkers, the rise of coffee culture in the Country is evident.
Ever wondered about locally grown coffee beans? This guide is a story of locally grown coffee beans in Nigeria. The purpose of this story is to enlighten and inspire Nigerian coffee lovers and novices alike about Nigerian coffee.
History of Nigerian Coffee
In the 19th century, coffee was introduced to the people of Nigeria. During the initial phase, coffee was a great source of income for local farmers. In the 1930s, the government stepped in and provided coffee farmers with arabica and robusta beans with the intention of increasing the production of Nigerian coffee. While this assistance worked for a while, in less than 100 years, the production of coffee in Nigeria began to fall and is not as lucurative as it once was.
Today, Nigerian coffee, primarily comprising of the robusta variety found in the lowlands and the more flavorful Arabica in the highlands, such as the Mambilla Plateau, are teh two main types of coffee beans produced in the Country.
Where Nigerian Coffee Thrives
The Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State is the ideal location for growing coffee. The high altitude and cool climate create the perfect conditions for Arabica beans to develop their distinct flavour profiles.
Other states in Nigeria, such as Osun, Cross River, and Plateau, are also important coffee-growing regions.
The emergence of small-scale farmers and cooperatives in these regions has added to the coffee cultivation narrative of Nigeria. These farmers are the custodians of their lands’ coffee heritage – using traditional wisdom and sustainable practices to ensure the health of their crops and the ecosystem.
How Much Coffee Is Produced In Nigeria?
The production of Nigerian coffee has shown steady signs of decline over the past few years. In 2016, there was a 10.66% increase but since then, coffee has been on a steady decline. In 2019, the country produced 1,901 tonnes of coffee. However, that figure declined by 0.74% in 2020, dropping down to just 1,887 tonnes.
Types Of Coffee Grown In Nigeria
Robusta coffee is th emain type of coffee grown in Nigeria. Grown in 14 states, Robusta makes up about 96% of Nigerian coffee production, covering over 5000 hectares of land. The other type of coffee beans grown in Nigeria is Arabica, which takes up just 4% of the country’s overall coffee production. The Nigerian green coffee beans is another type of coffee grown in Nigeria. Still, most coffee grown in Nigeria is targeted at the instant coffee market which is still the main marekt for coffee in Nigeria.
The Taste of Nigerian Coffee
Nigerian coffee is celebrated for its robust flavour profile. The robusta beans produce a strong, full-bodied coffee with an earthy undertone, while the Arabica beans from the highlands – mostly grown in high-altitude environments, offer a more aromatic and flavorful tatse, often with fruity hints, showcasing the diversity of the Nigerian palate.
What Is Nigeria’s Green Coffee Beans?
Green coffee is made from un-roasted Arabica beans. Its taste is very different from roasted coffee beans. Nigerian’s green coffee is in high demand in Nigeria because peple beleive it has great health benefits, like, lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, energy boaster and inducing weight loss.
The Best Nigerian Coffee Brands To Try
While the majority of Nigeria’s coffee is attributed to Nescafe instant beverages, there are still small, independent brands for coffee lovers to try. Three such brands are Zuma Coffee, Happy Coffee, and Mai Shayi.
Conclusion
Despite how long coffee has been around in Nigeria, it has an unsteady culture compared to other coffee drinkers around the world. Like everything else, coffee will have its day and with cafes dedicated to growing, selling and even exporting coffee, it is only a matter of time before Nigerian coffee takes its place among the coffee giants in the world.
