Impact of Altitudinal Gradients on Exportable Performance, and Physical and Cup Quality of Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) Grown in Inter-Andean Valley

Coffee production is one of the main sources of income for products from Peru’s inter-Andean valleys. However, the rugged geographical conditions offer few growing areas with different altitudes, which could lead to variations in the quality of the beans and, consequently, of the coffee in the cup. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of altitudinal gradients on the exportable yield, and physical and cup quality of the Typica and Catimor varieties produced in the Inkawasi inter-Andean valley of Cusco, Peru. Coffee beans produced at altitudes of 1600, 1800, and 2100 m were considered, and the physical quality of parchment and green coffee was evaluated using Peruvian Technical Standards and the SCAA guidelines. Similarly, the sensory attributes of the coffee in the cup were assessed according to criteria established by the SCAA by five certified tasters. It was observed that increasing altitude considerably reduces pest attack and damage in both varieties and increases secondary damage, shrinkage, and exportable yield, which ranged from 79.12 to 81.98%. Sensory attributes ranged from “Very Good” to “Extraordinary”, allowing the Specialty Grade (>80 points) to be achieved according to SCAA standards. The PCA revealed that the Typica variety has superior sensory qualities that improve with altitude. The coffee produced in the Inkawasi valleys is well received on the international market, especially that grown above 1800 m. Its sustainable cultivation could improve the socioeconomic conditions of its inhabitants.