Coffee production in Bolivia facts for kids
Coffee is a popular drink enjoyed by many around the world. But where does it come from? In Bolivia, a country in South America, growing coffee has a long and interesting history. Coffee plants thrive in Bolivia's mountains, especially at heights between 800–2,300 metres (2,600–7,500 ft) (about 2,600 to 7,500 feet) above sea level. This special environment helps produce unique and tasty coffee beans.
Coffee's Journey in Bolivia
Early Days: The 1800s
Bolivia didn't export as much coffee as its neighbors in the 1800s. However, the best coffee came from a region called Yungas. Many people thought this coffee was as good as Cafe mocha.
The main areas for growing coffee were the departments of La Paz, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, and El Beni. The districts of Yungas, Caupalicam, Espiritu Santo, and Valle Grande were especially famous.
At one time, Yungas coffee was very popular, especially in Europe. The coffee plant, which originally came from Asia, grew so well in Yungas that it spread naturally. If a coffee bean fell to the ground, it would often grow into a new tree! In 1885, Bolivia produced about 2,400,000 pounds of coffee each year. By 1900, a machine was set up in La Paz to roast and grind coffee. This coffee was then sold in special tins.
Coffee in the Early 1900s
By 1908, Bolivia's coffee production was around 1,500,000 pounds. About 150,000 pounds of this coffee were sent to other countries each year. Most of it was shipped to Chile.
