How Coffee Beans Are Grown - How Optimal Growing Conditions Cultivate Exceptional Flavor

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FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Coffee Bean Growing Regions

Coffee Growing and Production Belt

The Coffee Belt (coffee production zone) lies between 25° north latitude and 30° south latitude, encompassing many countries in Central and West Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The reason coffee cultivation is concentrated in this belt-shaped region is due to temperature limitations. Coffee trees are highly susceptible to frost damage, making latitudes too far north or south unsuitable. Only tropical regions are appropriate, as the heat and humidity in these areas are most ideal.

In the Coffee World, Altitude Signifies Quality

High Altitude

High-quality Arabica coffee beans grow at the highest altitudes where coffee trees can thrive - anywhere above 450 meters, with 900-1800 meters being the ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. In high-altitude regions, special microclimates with their perfect combination of temperature, sunlight, and rain nurture high-quality coffee beans. The cooler nighttime temperatures also slow down the maturation process of coffee cherries, allowing coffee flavors to develop more fully.

Low Altitude

Robusta coffee typically grows in low-altitude regions. Their cherries are larger than Arabica's and mature faster, but have less density. Robusta coffee trees are easier to cultivate and more disease-resistant. Nearly half of all coffee grown globally is Robusta because it's simpler to grow, but this coffee often has lower flavor quality.

Coffee Bean Density

How does the altitude of coffee-growing regions affect coffee quality? In high-altitude areas, warm daytime temperatures and cool nighttime temperatures slow down the growth rate of coffee cherries. The longer growing time for coffee trees means coffee beans have more time to develop rich and complex flavor profiles. What is the result of growing coffee in highlands? The coffee beans are harder, smaller in appearance, and rich in complex flavors. The greater the density of coffee beans, the deeper the roast level they can withstand.

Asia/Pacific Region

Coffees from this region often carry earthy aromas and herbal spice notes, with balanced and heavy body.

Coffee from this region is mostly processed using the "semi-washed" method. This area includes the Indonesian archipelago, East Timor, South Asia, and Papua New Guinea. This vast region spans various climates and terrains, where some of the world's most distinctive coffees can be found. Indonesia is a country with thousands of islands and 365 languages, with volcanoes scattered throughout, perfect slope terrain, mild steamy climate, and cool mountain nights that are as charming as its people. The most famous is the resort destination - Bali. Given this, Indonesian coffee beans possess intense aromas and rich body, making them extremely appealing.

Knowledge Point

Most coffee grows in the equatorial zone between 25° north and south of the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. The coffee growing belt and country of origin have a tremendous impact on its flavor.

In Summary

FrontStreet Coffee is a dedicated coffee research house that enjoys sharing coffee knowledge with everyone. We share without reservation to help more friends fall in love with coffee. Every month, we hold three coffee promotion events with significant discounts because FrontStreet Coffee wants to let more friends enjoy the best coffee at the lowest possible prices. This has been FrontStreet Coffee's mission for the past 6 years!

Important Notice :

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