What is Geisha variety coffee?
Geisha coffee, also spelled as Gesha coffee, is a varietal of coffee that is known for having unique flavors that are typically floral and sweet. While Geisha coffee is now grown around the world, like coffee, it was first discovered in Ethiopia, in a region near the Gori Gesha forest. Gesha is prized for its intricate and refined aroma, setting it apart from other coffee varieties. These qualities have made it a favorite among coffee connoisseurs and baristas, solidifying its status as one of the world’s most coveted coffees.The Geisha variety of Coffea arabica was identified in the 1930s, in the mountainous Gesha region of southwestern Ethiopia. After seeds were collected in 1936 by a British consul, the coffee was planted in Tanzania and Costa Rica.Wild coffee plants originated in Ethiopia, while the beverage itself has its roots in Yemen, where it was harvested, roasted and brewed; Sufi Muslims in the 15th century used it to aid concentration during night prayers.The case for panama geisha coffee as number one among the contenders, panama geisha coffee beans often take the top spot due to their unmatched combination of rarity, quality, and flavor. Originally from ethiopia, geisha gained global recognition after thriving in panama’s unique microclimate.
Why is Geisha coffee so expensive?
The Geisha variety is often considered one of the world’s most expensive coffee beans. This is due to the trees being naturally low-yielding, delicate, and challenging to cultivate. The beans themselves have a taste unlike any other coffee out there, furthering its prestige. In 2024, a honey-processed Geisha from Elida Aguacatillo set a new record auction price of $13,518 USD per kilogram, surpassing the previous record of $10,005 USD per kilogram for the most expensive Geisha coffee, held by Carmen Estate from Panama.Starbucks announced that they are now selling this as the most expensive coffee at $7 per cup. News outlets across the country picked up Bloomberg reported that Starbucks is marketing the coffee, called Costa Rica Tarrazu Geisha, as part of its luxury reserve line.
Why is Geisha coffee so special?
Geisha coffee’s exceptional quality is a product of its unique growing conditions. High altitude, rich volcanic soil, and ideal climate are critical factors contributing to its distinguished flavor. Most Geisha coffee is grown at elevations between 1,400 and 1,800 meters (4,600 to 5,900 feet) above sea level. Geisha is known for its sweet flavor and aroma of floral notes, jasmine, chocolate, honey, and even black tea. These sweet floral notes, and complex flavor profiles are some of the many characteristics that Geisha coffee shares with most other African coffees.Geisha Coffee’s Unique Flavor Profile With just a single cup, coffee enthusiasts can embark on a symphony of flavors, including the subtle nuances of peach, the tanginess of raspberry, the citrusy zest of bergamot, and the captivating essence of jasmine.Given its Ethiopian origins and journey through various coffee-growing regions, Geisha coffee is unequivocally an Arabica variety. Its botanical lineage and the characteristics it exhibits align closely with those of other high-quality Arabica coffees.