History of coffee in Panama

The history of coffee in Panama dates back to the 19th century, when coffee was brought to the area by Spanish colonizers. The first coffee plantations were established in the southwest of the country, near the town of Boquete. Over the following decades, coffee cultivation became one of the most important sources of income for Panama, and coffee from the region grew in importance and popularity on world markets. In 1913, the Panama Canal was opened, allowing coffee to be more easily transported to Europe and North America. Today, Panamanian coffee is prized by connoisseurs around the world for its unique flavor and aroma. Panamanian coffee is often grown at altitudes above 1,200 meters above sea level, which promotes the development of intense aromas and acidity. The best-known coffee from Panama is Geisha, which has grown in popularity in recent years and is considered one of the best coffees in the world. In Panama, coffee is often grown sustainably, following organic farming principles, making Panamanian coffee popular with those seeking organically grown coffee.