There is nothing like the smell of coffee brewing in the morning, or sharing an afternoon cup of Joe with a friend. But have you ever wondered where in the world your coffee came from? Sure, we all know about Columbian coffee and Jamaican Blue Mountain, but those are just two of many coffee producers in the world.
There are several species of cultivated coffee beans, but the two most popular are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is the type you are most likely to find on the shelves of your grocery store, because it is a smooth-tasting bean that tastes great black or with your favorite creamer. Robusta coffee is generally blended with other types of coffee or flavoring to help even out the taste. So, if you buy mocha flavored coffee, those are most likely robusta beans flavored with chocolate. That being said, three-quarters of all coffee that is grown is Arabica.
Where Do Coffee Beans Come From?
Coffee is grown in most parts of the world, though you won’t find coffee growers in the 48 contiguous states in the US, Alaska or Australia. The majority of coffee consumed is grown in Latin America and Africa, with a fair portion also coming from Asian and Arab nations. Special hybrids are found in other parts of the world, and their names reflect the location where they are cultivated. For example, the Kona blend is grown in Hawaii, Java is grown in Java and Columbian is grown in — you guessed it — Columbia. Arabica beans are cultivated in Latin America, Asia, Arabic countries and eastern Africa, while Robusta beans are produced in central and west Africa, Brazil and southeast Asia. Most regions grow either Arabica or Robusta beans, but a few regions, such as Borneo, Cameroon, and India, grow both.
When Are the Harvest Seasons?
Coffee is grown throughout the world, all year round, but most regions do have peak growing seasons. The shortest growing season is that of Sri Lanka, where coffee is only harvested in August. By the way, Sri Lanka is another region that cultivates both Arabica and Robusta beans. The longest harvest season happens in Zaire, where both Arabica and Robusta beans are grown. Other countries have various growing seasons throughout the year:
So, the next time you are enjoying your favorite cup of coffee — be it Kenyan, Kona, Columbian or something else — remember that all coffee beans start from somewhere in the world. Whether it’s on a Jamaican or Columbian hillside, the outskirts of a tropical rain forest, or the volcanoes of Hawaii, coffee is cultivated with care, roasted and shipped to stores or directly to our homes. Whole or ground, hot, cold, black or with cream and sugar, coffee is a wonderful thing. Enjoy!
One can hope that this article is going to be an eye opener for people regarding harvest seasons and the different variety of coffee grown in every region because they all come in very handy whether it is for making Lamano Coffee or cappuccino as old folks are suckers for both and rightfully so as it is quite good for health at that age.
