The Clear Flavor Profile of Brazilian Coffee Beans & What to Pair With Them

Focus Topic 1

What is Brazilian coffee

Focus Topic 2

What is the Brazilian coffee flavor profile

Focus Topic 3

What does Brazilian coffee pair well with

Brazil produces an astounding one-third of all the coffee produced worldwide. Chances are, you’ve enjoyed a cup of Brazilian coffee in your favorite cafe or purchased a bag of beans from your local grocery store.

But even if you haven’t experienced the greatness of Brazilian coffee, you might be wondering how exactly one would describe the flavors of this morning drink. Luckily, Coffee Blenders knows a thing or two about this brew. Here’s everything you need to know about the flavor profile of Brazilian coffee beans along with some food pairings that will make your morning routine that much better.

Flavor Profile of Brazilian Coffee Beans

There are two types of coffee you will see in stores: arabica and robusta. The former makes up the majority (nearly 70% by some estimates) of Brazilian coffee. Arabica beans in general are known to have a sweet, softer taste. While they still produce a bold cup of coffee, the beans have tones of sugar, fruit, and berries so it’s typically on the sweet side. Robusta, on the other hand, tends to be more intense, nutty, and bitter. Perhaps unsurprisingly, most coffee drinkers prefer arabica for its smoother yet more complex flavor.

The descriptors of arabica beans can also be applied to the flavor profile of Brazilian coffee beans. Many experts agree that Brazilian coffee has a distinct flavor, specifically being low in acidity, smooth-bodied, and sweet. It often has hints of chocolate, caramel, or slightly nutty notes that shine through. 

However, the exact flavor profile of Brazilian coffee beans ultimately depends on the kind of cherries (the fruit we get coffee beans from once dried). Here are just a few of the kinds of coffee beans found in Brazil and what their distinct tastes are:

  • Catuai is the red and yellow cherries that are the ripest and therefore the sweetest.
  • Mundo Novo is a heavier bean, with low acidity and sweet notes.
  • Obata has more mellow characteristics and hints of floral and honey tones that come out during the natural drying process.
  • Icatu is crossbred with robusta and is known for its cocoa, maple, and malt flavors that are incredibly distinct.

The region the beans come from can also affect the unique Brazilian coffee taste. Some regions produce heavy, medium-bodied, coffee with sweet notes while others encompass fruity flavors with a bit of spice. The process used to obtain the beans (either wet or dry) can also affect the flavor.

The best way to get a sense of the complex flavors of Brazilian coffee is to try it for yourself!

What to Make With Brazilian Coffee Beans

Craving a steaming cup of Brazilian coffee now? Here are some of the best meals and small bites to pair with your morning cup that complement the flavor profile of the country’s most in-demand export:

Chocolate: The sweet notes of most Brazilian coffee pair great with chocolate, specifically dark chocolate. The rich, bitter flavors of dark chocolate are great to snack on with smooth coffee. And if you don’t feel like breaking out a candy bar at breakfast, try a chocolate croissant or other pastry that makes this sweet shine.

Fruit: Fruits like apples, berries, and cantaloupe are a great addition to any breakfast or mid-day snack. However, fruit tarts add a little extra dimension to the meal that you crave. The sourness of this treat pairs great with bold, heavy Brazilian coffee. The only slightly acidic coffee perfectly cuts through the tartness for a great treat.

Bread: Bread and coffee are a classic pair, and the same stands true for Brazilian blends. Whether you go with toast or a pastry from a local cafe, you’ll experience how the earthy notes of fresh-baked bread pair well with the bold brew. But if you want something a little more savory and authentic, consider enjoying pão de queijo with your morning coffee. This cheesy bread is a staple snack in Brazil and is best enjoyed with the flavor profile of Brazilian coffee beans.

As you can see, Brazilian coffee pairs incredibly well with sweets. Though this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it with your favorite savory breakfast, pairings like shortbread, chocolate, fruit tarts, and bread bring out the best flavors in the brew.

Want to enjoy the complex flavors of the Brazilian coffee bean without having to grind your own beans? Coffee Blenders Natural Cerrado Brazilian Specialty Coffee in Tea Bags is the most convenient way to start your morning with this smooth, creamy coffee with hints of chocolate and caramel.

Give our Brazilian Tea Bag Coffee a try! You can also try our Rwandan, Guatemalan, or Ethiopian coffee too.

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