A Global Overview of Coffee Growing Regions
The world of coffee and society is a complex and diverse system. More than 50 countries cultivate coffee, and each region produces beans with distinct qualities.
Numerous elements impact the wide range of coffee types, with each growing area possessing unique characteristics such as climate, soil, altitude, season, and water quality, along with various cultivation, collection, storage, roasting, and processing methods, customs, and ceremonies.
Our goal at Ebru Coffee is to foster a culture of learning and admiration for coffee, viewing it not only as a delicious drink but also as a unique and invaluable part of human history. So, let's guide you through the main coffee growing regions.
1. Africa
They say coffee’s roots trace back to around 850 AD in Ethiopia, where a goat herder named Kaldi noticed his goats acting too energetic after munching on some strange red cherries. Whether that story is true or not, Africa’s connection to coffee goes back more than a thousand years. Fast forward to today, and 12% of the world’s coffee beans come from the continent, with Ethiopia and Uganda leading the charge, followed closely by Kenya, Tanzania, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Every African country (and even each farm) has its flavor personality. Climate, soil, and tradition all play a role, giving each bean something unique. That said, there are a few things coffee lovers have come to expect from African coffees. Many offer bright acidity, fruity undertones, and floral hints. But the thing about African coffee is this: no two cups are exactly the same. With so much variety, every sip is a new experience—and that’s exactly what keeps people coming back.
Flavor Profile
Flavor tends to be the first factor that sparks interest in coffee growing regions. After all, your palate is a direct link to the coffee’s narrative.
African coffee beans are known for their rich, vibrant, fruity, floral, and often berry-like or winey notes. A bright acidity is common, which can range from tart and pungent to crisp and sparkling. The bold flavors are frequently amplified by sweetness. Many coffees from African coffee growing areas are full-bodied with a moderate mouthfeel.
Farming
Among countless factors, Africa’s proximity to the equator plays a crucial role in its coffee’s characteristics. Africa lies well within the “coffee belt,” which stretches between 30 degrees south and 5 degrees north of the equator. Here, the conditions to grow coffee are incredible. The tropical climate, healthy soils, clear separation between wet and dry seasons, and high-altitude farms help produce some of the most distinctive coffee in the world.
Africa’s coffee growing regions comprise smaller farms than other regions, and as such, there tends to be more of a hands-on approach. Because of how many farmers produce coffee at different scales, coffee is vital to the socioeconomic success of the entire continent, providing a source of income for over 10 million African households.
Coffee Production Methods
Due to the lower presence of pests in high-altitude farms, numerous African region coffee producers can use organic growing methods without using artificial pesticides. Furthermore, coffee is commonly cultivated with the protection of indigenous trees, benefiting the growth of the plants and creating significant environments for birds and other animals. These birds naturally control pests by keeping insect populations in check, which helps decrease the necessity for chemical interventions. This method of growing plants in the shade also contributes to fighting deforestation, which is becoming an increasing environmental issue throughout the continent.
Sustainability is frequently a main focus for many small, independent farmers who produce most of Africa's coffee. Farmers focus on soil health by composting and practicing crop rotation to preserve soil fertility in the long run. Nevertheless, farmers have been forced to swiftly adjust to new challenges as climate change alters weather patterns. In Uganda, certain farms are now growing Liberica excelsa, a type of coffee that is valued for its ability to withstand drought and high temperatures, providing a solution for areas facing increased heat and aridity.
After harvesting, the conservation of water is a significant component of coffee production in Africa. Due to the high water consumption in coffee processing, numerous farmers opt for sun-drying methods over water-heavy washing techniques. African drying beds, which are raised mesh platforms providing airflow, are frequently observed. This technique does not just save water, but it also improves the coffee's taste through promoting a gradual and consistent drying process. Water conservation is crucial in Africa, the second least humid continent on the planet, following Australia. These eco-friendly methods help farmers maintain high coffee quality and reduce their environmental footprint.
2. Asia
Although Asia is often linked primarily to Robusta beans, the continent brings forth a remarkable variety of specialty coffee that often goes unnoticed. Other coffee growing regions like India, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and China cultivate a diverse array of coffee, much of which is produced by small, family-owned farms. These coffee growing areas not only contribute significantly to the global coffee supply but also enhance the diversity of flavor profiles and fascinating production techniques.
Like other coffee-producing regions, encapsulating the entire narrative of Asian coffee in a few brief paragraphs is a challenge, but let’s delve into some of the primary traits that distinguish coffee from this area.
Flavor Profile
Asian coffees are typically recognized for their low acidity and distinct herbal, earthy, spicy, and nutty flavors. Some varieties also develop deep chocolate undertones, while others have a musty or smoky edge due to the humid conditions in which they grow. These coffees tend to offer a full body and dense mouthfeel, giving them a richness that appeals to those who enjoy bold, grounded flavors. Coffees from Sumatra and Java are particularly known for their earthiness and complexity, while some beans from Vietnam offer a stronger, more robust profile ideal for espresso blends.
Farming
Due to the wide range of landscapes found in Asia's coffee growing regions, there are significant differences in farming techniques. Using old-growth forests to offer natural shade for coffee crops is a particularly noteworthy practice. These forests don't just shield plants from pests, they also support a variety of wildlife, providing homes for birds and insects that naturally regulate pests. This technique reduces the necessity of chemicals and encourages environmentally conscious farming methods.
The majority of Asia's coffee industry is made up of small, family-run farms where farmers depend on manual labor and conventional farming methods. Coffee cultivation in some areas goes beyond financial gain; it is connected to the community's cultural and traditional aspects. Nevertheless, more farmers are embracing sustainable methods like crop rotation and composting to preserve soil health and address the difficulties caused by climate change.
Coffee Production Methods
Coffee in Asia is a big part of their local economy, providing jobs and income to many communities. Production methods vary widely across the region, with each area using coffee growing techniques suited to its climate and traditions. In some places, beans are dried under the sun, while others use fermentation tanks to enhance flavor complexity.
One distinctive technique from Indonesia is Giling Basah, or wet-hulling. After the outer skin of the coffee cherries is removed, farmers allow the beans to sit with their mucilage for about a day before exposing them to sunlight for drying. This method imparts an earthy, full-bodied flavor to the coffee, characterized by low acidity, making origins like Sumatra and Sulawesi particularly favored by those who enjoy bold and rich coffee.
Across Asia, the variety of production methods is evident. From the sturdy, earthy coffees of Indonesia to the smooth, low-acid beans from Vietnam and India, Asian coffee presents a broad spectrum of flavors for enthusiasts to explore.
3. Latin America/South America
South America leads in coffee production, making up around 60% of global output in Latin America. Brazil is known as the biggest coffee growing region globally, with Colombia being the second largest in South America, famous for its mellow and harmonious coffee.
Other parts of Latin America, aside from South America, also play a major role in the global coffee production. Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and El Salvador produce large quantities of coffee, with distinct flavors shaped by their individual climates and customs. The Caribbean, including countries like Haiti, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, is also involved in producing unique specialty coffee types that are popular among coffee connoisseurs.
Although production volumes vary by country, each region has its own distinctive offering. Latin America offers coffee lovers a variety of tastes and styles, from high-altitude farms in Colombia to shaded plantations in Central America. Together, these regions form the basis of worldwide coffee cultivation, providing some of the most desired and diverse coffee beans globally.
Flavor Profile
Latin American coffee growing regions are incredibly diverse, so naturally, the coffee is, too! Be sure to consider individual coffee growing areas as you explore each bean’s unique characteristics. In general, Latin American coffees are known for their notes of caramel, cocoa, and nuts, often accompanied by hints of citrus and spice. Of course, that’s painting with a broad brush, as there are countless variations throughout the vast region.
Colombian coffees are generally well-balanced with mild acidity, and Brazilian coffees offer a smooth chocolatey taste. Guatemalan and Costa Rican coffees, which are grown at higher altitudes, often come with bright acidity and subtle fruity notes. On the other hand, Cuban and Dominican beans are sometimes particularly noted for their gentle smokiness.
Though these descriptions capture the general flavor pointers, the real beauty of Latin American coffee lies in the variations between farms and regions. Each coffee grown offers a different experience, shaped by the local environment and the region’s coffee growing conditions.
Farming
Latin America produces many other crops that are often grown alongside coffee. For example, growing coffee next to vanilla or cacao can infuse the soil with many nutrients that improve the health of the plant, affect the flavor of the coffee, and promote long-term sustainability.
Although there are large-scale growing operations throughout Latin America’s coffee growing regions, there are many local farms that use ancient techniques passed down through many generations, such as planting trees to be used as shade, conserving water, growing certain varieties in mountain ranges or below sea level, and hand-picking only ripe beans.
Coffee Production Methods
Although wet processing is the most common processing method throughout Latin America, drying beans in the sun with the pulp still attached is a common practice in the dry regions, especially in Brazil. This method results in a more pronounced, fruitier flavor profile.
Of course, roasting style varies widely by region and bean variety, but many Latin American coffee growing regions opt for a medium roast that complements the well-rounded flavors of the area’s coffee.
Try Farm-to-Cup Coffee From All Over the World
We view the worldwide coffee culture with deep admiration. We have only just begun exploring, so we strongly suggest that you keep delving into the numerous coffee growing areas worldwide.
To truly grasp the intricacies of each region, one must try them firsthand! We are excited to provide single-origin coffees that provide a genuine farm-to-cup feel. We responsibly bring our specialty coffee beans from various regions home, including marginalized communities, ensuring ethical and sustainable sourcing. Browse our selection now to discover your next top coffee choice!