Growing Coffee

We are lucky to have the world at our fingertips when it comes to accessing amazing coffees.

Many cafes are unaware of the source of where their coffee comes from. A walk down any city street could feature dozens of worldwide sources. Somewhere in one of these countries a farmer carefully grew, nurtured and harvested your beans to be sent to your cup.

Coffee comes from most places near the equator. We call this the bean belt. Countries in this region are ideal for the cultivation of coffee due to their natural climate.

Ideal growing conditions are:

• • altitudes of between 400m and 2500m

  • average day temperatures between 12ºC and 27ºC

  • average annual rainfall between 1800mm and 2700mm

  • distinct wet and dry seasons

  • very fertile and well-drained soil.

  • Coffee plants grow in tropical areas of the world between latitudes 25ºN and 30ºS.

The Bean Belt

Generally, the higher in altitude the coffee is grown, the better the flavour. The cooler temperatures and lower rainfall at altitude mean the coffee plants mature gradually and develop more flavour. Hot and humid climates with excessive rainfall at lower altitudes can accelerate the ripening of the coffee fruit and cause the plants to grow faster. This causes the nutrients to be used in the branches and leaves rather than concentrated in the fruit.

Key Points

Higher Altitudes

• slower growth

• lower yields

• higher quality

• Arabica

Lower Altitudes

• • faster growth

  • higher yields

  • lower quality

  • Robusta