Coffee production in Laos facts for kids
Laos grows two main kinds of coffee: Robusta and Arabica. Robusta coffee is often used for everyday coffee. In Laos, people enjoy it sweetened with condensed milk. Arabica coffee is known for its milder taste and higher quality. It's often used to make espresso. Each year, Laos produces about 20,000 tons of coffee. Out of this, 5,000 tons are Arabica beans and 15,000 tons are Robusta.
Coffee from Laos
Arabica beans grown in Laos are special. They have a medium body and a mix of citrus and flower-like flavors. Unlike other countries, Laos grows Robusta coffee at high places, around 1,300 meters above sea level. Most of Laos' coffee, about 95%, comes from a place called the Bolaven Plateau. Coffee is a very important product for Laos. It is the country's fifth largest export. The Bolaven Plateau is where coffee was first planted in Laos. This happened a long time ago when the French ruled the area. Different types of coffee plants were grown there, including Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica.
Why Coffee is Important
Laos is one of the few countries that can proudly say it grows high-quality coffee. But coffee production is more than just a bragging right. It is very important for Laos' economy and for how people live. Most farmers in Laos would earn much less money if they grew common crops like soy, rice, or corn. Coffee farming, however, helps them earn enough money to send their children to school. Coffee is also Laos' main product that it sells to other countries.
Laos has many farmers, lots of land, and a good climate. These things make it very likely that Laos can grow large amounts of Arabica coffee.
History of Coffee in Laos
French colonists first brought coffee plants to Laos around 1915. They tried growing coffee in the northern part of the country. After some tries, they found that southern Laos was perfect for coffee farms. Millions of years ago, a volcano erupted in the south. This made the soil in the south very rich in minerals, which is great for growing coffee. The Bolaven Plateau, where most coffee is grown today, is also in the south.
The Bolaven Plateau
The Bolaven Plateau is in an area called Paksong. The plants there are green all year round. The rich soil is not the only reason it's good for coffee. Its high elevation, from 800 to 1,350 meters, and cool weather also help.
For the past twenty years, the government of Laos has been working with coffee farmers. They encourage farmers to plant more Arabica coffee. Arabica coffee sells for a higher price. This helps farmers earn more money. There are about 20,000 coffee-growing groups in 250 villages across Laos. Many families in these villages depend on coffee farming for their living.
