Mapping Yunnan Coffee | Key Production Areas
You may have noticed a region called Yunnan when you shop specialty coffee - but don’t know about this region much and wonder why your favourite roasters have chosen it over other region options.
Due to its remote location, Yunnan is one of the most challenging category of green beans to source, and its full potential has yet to be discovered by the coffee industry and consumers in the UK. In fact, Yunnan is one of the most important coffee-growing regions in the world. This under appreciated gem from China holds a wealth of unique flavours and qualities that could captivate the British coffee market.
So, what are the major coffee-producing areas in Yunnan, and what are their unique characteristics? What are the key characteristics of Yunnan coffee? What does Yunnan coffee taste like? This blog will answer this questions by lead you through this mysterious region by mapping the key coffee growing areas. Understanding the distinct characteristics and growing conditions of Yunnan's coffee regions can help coffee enthusiasts and professionals make informed choices, enhancing their appreciation of this remarkable product.
According to data from the Yunnan Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yunnan had approximately 93,000 hectares of coffee plantations in 2021, yielding around 110,000 tons of coffee beans. The main coffee-producing regions in Yunnan include Pu'er, Baoshan, Dehong, Lincang, and Xishuangbanna, with Pu'er accounting for 50% of the total planting area. Factors such as geographical location, climate conditions, soil properties, and varietals all influence the way how you percept the coffee from these regions. Here’s a brief overview of each area:
Pu'er Region
Located in southwestern Yunnan, Pu'er is China's largest coffee-producing base and one of the highest-altitude coffee-growing areas in the world. With elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,800 meters, an average annual temperature between 18-22°C, and annual rainfall between 1,200-1,600 mm, Pu'er enjoys long hours of sunlight and significant temperature variations between day and night. The fertile soil is ideal for coffee cultivation. The main varieties grown here are Catimor and Typica, making up over 90% of the crops. Pu'er coffee beans are known for their low acidity, high bitterness, thick body, and rich aroma, making them ideal for SOE or espresso blend. Sometimes people see Lancang, Menglian as a region and wonder what are they - both these areas are within Pu’er region and are now start having some recognitions and presence in the UK.
Baoshan Region
Situated in northwestern Yunnan and bordering Myanmar, Baoshan is one of the earliest places in China to introduce coffee trees. With elevations between 900 and 1,500 meters, an average annual temperature of 18-20°C, and annual rainfall of 1,000-1,400 mm, Baoshan also benefits from long hours of sunlight and large temperature differences between day and night, contributing to fertile soil conditions suitable for coffee growing. The main varieties here are Caturra and Typica, which account for over 80% of the coffee planted. Baoshan coffee beans are characterised by high acidity, low bitterness, moderate body, and fresh aroma, making them suitable for pour-over or drip coffee.
Dehong Region
Located in western Yunnan and bordering Myanmar, Dehong was one of the earliest regions to develop a coffee industry in China. With elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 meters, an average annual temperature between 20-22°C, and annual rainfall between 1,400-1,800 mm, Dehong benefits from long sunlight hours and smaller temperature variations between day and night. The soil is fertile and conducive to coffee cultivation. Same as Pu’er, the main varieties grown here are Catimor and Typica. Dehong coffee beans are known for their medium acidity, medium bitterness, medium body, and fragrant aroma. The neutral balance of Dehong coffee beans make it suitable for a wide range of brewing methods and drink type.
Lincang Region
Located in southwestern Yunnan and bordering Myanmar, Lincang is a rapidly developing coffee-producing area. With elevations between 800 and 1,500 meters, an average annual temperature of 18-20°C, and annual rainfall of 1,200-1,600 mm, Lincang enjoys long hours of sunlight and large temperature differences between day and night, which, along with fertile soil, are ideal for coffee cultivation. The main varieties grown here are Catimor and Typica. Lincang coffee beans are noted for their low acidity, high bitterness, thick body, and rich aroma, suitable for SOE and espresso blend.
Xishuangbanna Region
Located in southern Yunnan and bordering Laos, Xishuangbanna is known for its tropical charm. With elevations between 600 and 1,000 meters, an average annual temperature of 22-24°C, and annual rainfall of 1,600-2,000 mm, Xishuangbanna has short sunlight hours and small temperature variations between day and night. The fertile soil here supports the growth of coffee trees. The main varieties grown are Mandheling from Indonesia and Yirgacheffe from Ethiopia, making up over 60% of the coffee planted. Xishuangbanna coffee beans are known for their high acidity, low bitterness, moderate body, and fresh aroma, making them ideal for pour-over or drip coffee.
You now are ready to discover new tastes and appreciate the rich potential of Yunnan coffee. Next time when you purchase Yunnan coffee from your favourite roasters, taste it, and enjoy it, and travel to this far-east destination, which has long been keen to share the best coffee that it has to offer.
Author: Shai
