Coffee around the world: Colombia

Coffee is everywhere, but it's never quite the same. In this series, we travel from place to place and discover together how people experience their coffee moment — from morning ritual to social event. This time, we're having a cup with María, from Salento, Colombia.

It's early when María starts her day. The 62-year-old from Salento, a small town in the heart of Colombia's coffee region, is already up before the sun clears the mountains. Not for work — that comes later. First: coffee.

"For us, coffee isn't a habit," she says, while setting water on an old gas stove. "It's a way to start the day with intention. You take a moment. For yourself, or for the people around you."

María has worked on a coffee finca for over twenty years. She picks, sorts, and knows the beans better than anyone. But at home, she drinks her coffee simply: black, no sugar, in a simple mug.

"People here don't drink fancy coffee," she laughs. "We just drink good coffee. That's enough."

What strikes her most about how others drink coffee? "That sometimes people make such a fuss about it. When really, it's quite simple. Good beans, good water, a little patience."

A lesson you don't forget easily. Somewhere on a porch or terrace in Colombia, with a view of green hills and a steaming mug in your hand.

Curious about the coffee from María's region? Discover our Miles Away coffee with colombian beans at Not Now.