Where Does Coffee Come From?

Ever wonder where your coffee comes from?

Turns out coffee beans are a little more high maintenance than the average coffee drinker, since they have to be grown in a particular region of the world that encompasses a small number of countries. This region is called the Bean Belt. The coffee fruit (more on that later) can only be grown in a particular altitude and climate range that makes the Bean Belt perfect for the job. The Bean Belt includes more than 50 countries but the majority of coffee comes from Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia and Honduras. Kona, the highest quality and most expensive coffee beans are grown under the active Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii.

The coffee bean actually comes from a cherry-like fruit that grows on trees ranging from 5 to 7 feet tall. There are 2 types of coffee beans; Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is generally considered a higher quality bean that produces the subtle variety of flavors that we know and love in our morning brew. Robusta beans are usually used in instant coffee and espresso as they have a lower acidity level and tend to be more bitter.

When the fruit turns red, it gets harvested and processed before the husk is removed and the beans are sorted. The process is not simple but well worth it since we love to see a perfect hand full of beans in our coffee grinder.

With this new info we hope you have a slightly greater appreciation for you morning cup of coffee. Doesn’t matter if you drink espresso, from a french press or cold brew year round.