Where Do Coffee Beans Come From?

The coffee bean plant, scientifically known as Coffea, is an evergreen shrub or small tree. It produces beans that are processed into our favourite beverage, coffee. It is also referred to as coffee cherry, due to its resemblance to a cherry, both in appearance and size.

Key characteristics of the coffee plant:
- Leaves: Grow in pairs, dark green in colour with a waxy texture (essential for photosynthesis to help the cherries grow).
- Flowers: Fragrant, white, and star-shaped, typically blooming in clusters.
- Fruit: A drupe, often referred to as a cherry, which turns red or purple when ripe. Inside, the fruit contains two seeds, the coffee beans.

These are the fundamental components that make coffee possible and where the bean to cup journey starts.

The process of growing coffee also involves harvesting ripe cherries and processing them into the coffee beans we know. Here’s how:

Harvesting coffee beans can be done in two main ways: handpicking and machine picking.

Handpicking is a labour-intensive process where workers carefully select only the ripe, red cherries. Machine picking involves machines shaking the coffee trees, causing the ripe cherries to fall into collection bins.

Handpicking ensures the highest quality beans, as unripe or overripe cherries are left on the plant and is common in regions with hilly terrain or where high-quality, specialty coffees are produced. Whereas machine picking, though faster, it can also harvest unripe or overripe cherries, which can impact the quality of the final product. It is a more efficient method, especially on large, flat plantations.

The process of growing coffee also involves harvesting ripe cherries and processing them into the coffee beans we know. Here’s how:

Once the coffee cherries are harvested, they undergo a processing method to separate the beans from the fruit. The two main methods are:

The Wet Process
1. Depulping: The cherries are fed into a machine that removes the outer skin and pulp.
2. Fermentation: The beans are then fermented in water tanks for several days.
3. Washing: The fermented beans are washed.
4. Drying: The beans are spread out on drying patios or in mechanical dryers to reduce their moisture content.

The Dry Process
1. Drying: Same as the last step of the wet process however this can take several weeks.
2. Hulling: the dried fruit of the cherry is removed to reveal the raw coffee bean.
3. Polishing: The beans are polished.


The choice of processing method can significantly impact the flavour profile of the coffee. The wet process often results in cleaner, brighter flavours, as the fruit is removed from the coffee bean before drying, which can lead to fermentation and the development of desirable acidity and clarity. In contrast, the dry process, where the entire cherry is dried before removing the fruit, can create sweeter, fruitier coffees with a fuller body and lower acidity.

Growing conditions significantly impact the quality and flavour of coffee beans. Here's why:

Coffee plants thrive in specific climates. They prefer warm, humid tropical and subtropical environments. Higher altitudes, with cooler temperatures and lower atmospheric pressure, are ideal for slower growth and enhanced flavour development. Adequate rainfall or irrigation is essential, while partial shade can protect the plants from intense sunlight.

Coffee plants require specific soil conditions for optimal growth. Well-drained soil is crucial to prevent root rot. Fertile soil, rich in organic matter, provides essential nutrients. A slightly acidic pH level, between 6 and 7, is ideal for coffee plant health.

The "Bean Belt" is a region around the equator with ideal coffee-growing conditions and the known for where coffee beans come from. It encompasses parts of Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. This region offers warm, humid climates, high altitudes for enhanced flavor, adequate rainfall, and partial shade.

- Brazil: The world's largest coffee producer. Famous for its robust and mild coffees.
- Colombia: Renowned for its high-quality Arabica beans, offering single-origin coffee. The Supremo and Excelso grades are particularly prised for their balanced flavour profiles.
- Costa Rica: Recognised for its diverse coffee varieties, including the renowned Tarrazu and San Jose beans.
- Guatemala: Renowned for its rich, complex flavours. The country's diverse microclimates contribute to a wide range of coffee profiles, often characterised by notes of chocolate, nuts, and spice.
- Honduras: Produces a wide range of coffees, from mild to bold flavours.
- Peru: A growing coffee producer, known for its high-quality beans from regions like Cajamarca and Cusco.

- Ethiopia: Often considered the birthplace of coffee, is renowned for its unique and flavourful beans.
- Uganda: A major producer of Robusta beans, known for their strong flavour and high caffeine content. These beans are often used in espresso blends and instant coffee.
- Kenya: Renowned for its high-quality Arabica beans, renowned for their bright acidity and fruity notes.
- Tanzania: Recognised for its unique coffee beans, especially its Peaberry coffee. These round beans, a natural mutation, offer a distinctive flavour profile.

- Indonesia: Famous for its distinct coffee varieties, including Sumatran and Javan beans. These coffees are often characterized by their full body, low acidity, and earthy flavours.
- Vietnam: The world's second-largest coffee producer, primarily known for its Robusta beans. These beans are robust in flavour and high in caffeine, making them popular for espresso blends and instant coffee.
- Philippines: Recognised for its unique coffee variety, Barako (or Kapeng Barako). This Liberica bean produces a strong, bold coffee with a distinct flavour profile.

London's sheer size and global influence make it a significant force in the coffee world. From classic chains to trendy hipster cafes. The city hosts renowned coffee festivals and is home to many innovative roasters.

Renowned for its vibrant coffee culture, with a strong emphasis on quality, sustainability, and innovation. The city boasts numerous independent roasters, each with its unique approach to sourcing, roasting, and brewing.

Renowned as a global coffee capital, with a thriving specialty coffee scene. The city's innovative baristas push the boundaries of coffee artistry, creating intricate latte art and experimenting with new brewing methods.

The heart of Italy's rich espresso culture. From the iconic Roman coffee bars to the traditional espresso machines, Rome celebrates the art of crafting the perfect shot of espresso.

A coffee lover's paradise, offering a diverse range of coffee shops and a strong focus on quality. From traditional kissaten to modern third-wave coffee shops, the city caters to all tastes.

Renowned as a global coffee capital, with a thriving specialty coffee scene. The city's innovative baristas push the boundaries of coffee artistry, creating intricate latte art and experimenting with new brewing methods.

Renowned for its elegant coffeehouse culture, dating back to the 17th century. Viennese coffeehouses are more than just places to grab a quick drink; they're cultural institutions where people gather to read, write, and socialise.

You may have searched for how to grow a coffee bean in the UK. While it's possible to grow a coffee plant indoors in the UK, producing a significant harvest or high-quality beans is challenging due to our climate. Coffee plants thrive in specific tropical and subtropical conditions that are difficult to replicate indoors.

- Temperature: Coffee plants require consistent warm temperatures, which can be difficult to maintain, especially during winter months.

- Humidity: High humidity levels are crucial for coffee plants, but indoor environments can often be too dry.
- Light: Coffee plants need ample sunlight, which can be limited in the UK, especially during winter.


It's important to note that growing coffee indoors in the UK is more of a hobby than a practical way to produce large quantities of beans.

Rather than attempting to grow coffee in the UK, it's more sustainable and practical to support ethical coffee producers in coffee-growing regions. By choosing fair-trade, organic, and sustainably sourced coffee, you can contribute to the wellbeing of coffee farmers and protect the environment. Read more about our sustainability commitments here.

From the coffee plant to your cup of coffee, the journey is a fascinating one. Grown in specific tropical climates and harvested by hand or machine, the beans undergo various processing methods to develop their unique flavours. The ""Bean Belt"" regions, including Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, and many more, each contribute distinct characteristics to the global coffee scene. As we savour our morning cup of coffee, let's appreciate the complex processes and cultural significance behind it. By choosing sustainable and ethical coffee, we can support farmers and protect the environment. Discover the history of coffee to delve deeper into the origin of coffee, the history of coffee brewing, and the development of coffee pods.