There are times when we go hours without drinking coffee. Then, we get out of bed and pour our first cup. Something bordering on magic surrounds coffee, about its impact on our bodies, society, the economy, and world trade. Let's take a look at coffee production around the world, where it is grown, and how you might visit some of the coffee-producing areas of the world.
“I like coffee because it gives me the illusion I might be awake.” ~ Lewis Black
Strangely, the exact origin of coffee agriculture has been lost to history. We do not know exactly where coffee was first discovered and consumed. Most believe it was first cultivated in Ethiopia by goat herders who watched their flocks eat the beans, after which the goats would stay up all night. By the 15th century, coffee had spread to most of the Middle East in Persia, Syria, Egypt, and Turkey. Almost immediately, coffee houses appeared across the region. By the 16th Century, coffee reached Europe, though the clergy wanted to ban it, calling its effect “Satanic.” Pope Clement VII investigated the matter and declared it should be baptized. Coffee houses began to spread throughout Europe. The term “penny university” designated a coffee shop in England because of the conversations that inevitably followed the consumption of the black liquid in coffee houses.
“I don’t have a problem with coffee. I have a problem without it.” ~ Anonymous
The Dutch brought coffee plants to the settlement of New Amsterdam and gifted a plant to King Louis XIV of France. From there, seeds were taken to the French colony in Martinique, where they were planted, thrived, and spread throughout the Caribbean and South America.
“Coffee, the favorite drink of the civilized world.” ~ Thomas Jefferson
Coffee is predominantly cultivated in the equatorial region known as the "Bean Belt," which encompasses over 70 countries, including Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia. These regions offer the ideal conditions for coffee cultivation: rich soil, adequate rainfall, and a stable climate.
“Coffee is a beverage that puts one to sleep when not drank.” ~ Alphonse Allais
Leading Producers:
- Brazil: As the world's largest coffee producer, Brazil is renowned for its vast plantations and coffee volume, particularly Arabica beans.
- Vietnam: Primarily known for robusta production, Vietnam has rapidly ascended in the coffee production hierarchy, thanks to its favorable climate and government support.
- Colombia: Famous for its high-quality Arabica beans, Colombia's coffee is highly sought after due to its unique flavor profiles, attributed to its diverse microclimates.
- Indonesia: Known for its unique and diverse coffee varieties, Indonesia is a significant coffee producer, especially famous for its Sumatra Mandheling and Sulawesi Toraja beans.
- Honduras: Emerging as Central America's top coffee producer, Honduras is recognized for its high-quality Arabica beans, often grown in the country's western highlands.
- Ethiopia: Considered the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia is renowned for its rich coffee heritage and wide variety of distinct, flavor-rich Arabica beans.
- India: India's coffee production is characterized by its shade-grown Arabica and Robusta beans, primarily cultivated in the hilly regions of the southern states.
- Uganda: Primarily known for its Robusta beans, which are indigenous to its rainforests, Uganda also produces Arabica coffee, mainly on its mountainous slopes.
- Mexico: Mexico is one of the world's largest coffee producers, known for its Arabica beans grown predominantly in the southern states like Chiapas and Oaxaca.
- Guatemala: With its diverse microclimates, Guatemala produces a wide range of coffee profiles, often noted for their rich, full-bodied flavor and chocolate notes.
- Peru: Known for its organic coffee production, Peru primarily grows Arabica beans in its high-altitude regions, offering mild flavors and light acidity.
“May your coffee kick in before reality does.” ~ Anonymous
Coffee cultivation can be an arduous process involving several critical steps. This labor-intensive process, coupled with the need for a specific climate and the vulnerability of coffee plants to diseases and pests, makes coffee cultivation a challenging endeavor. Coffee agriculture faces significant threats, including climate change and deforestation. In addition, those who cultivate coffee at the beginning of the economic ladder are challenged by poor prices paid by the local and multinational firms distributing coffee worldwide.
“The powers of a man’s mind are directly proportional to the quantity of coffee he drank.” ~ Sir James MacKintosh
Fairtrade Coffee aims to address these challenges by ensuring farmers receive fair prices for their beans, providing them with a stable income, and encouraging sustainable farming practices. Fairtrade certification also mandates strict standards on labor conditions and environmental conservation. The significance of fair trade coffee lies in its holistic approach, which focuses on economic empowerment and fosters community development, environmental sustainability, and consumer awareness.
“People say money can’t buy happiness. They lie. Money buys coffee.” ~ Anonymous
Coffee tours are available in almost any destination where coffee is cultivated in any quantity. Costa Rica, Jamaica, Hawaii, Peru, Brazil all have wonderful tours available when visiting. Such tours are a wonderful way to support the local growers and economy. When visiting any coffee producing destination, ask your travel consultant about a coffee plantation tour.
“The road to success is paved in coffee.” ~ Anonymous