I think a main aspect to researching into coffee is understanding where in the world it comes from, so I have put this category on a new post to allow me to get more information on it. I know that I definitely drink some coffee's and don't know where in the world it comes from, unless the name of it makes it completely obvious such as like Colombia blend or something. So I think this is definitely a useful thing to research.
Coffee Production
Over 100 million (60 kilo) bags of coffee are now produced in over 70 countries throughout the world, and well over 1 billion cups are consumed every day. (link)
Coffee grows exclusively in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The present coffee-producting belt around the globe comprises about 70 countries involved in cultivation, and lies between the latitudes of 23 degrees north and 25 degrees south. The ideal growing conditions for coffee trees are an average of 17 degrees Celcius to 23 degrees Celcius as well as abundant precipitation and fertile soil.
Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer. On average it produces about 28% of the total world output. Colombia follows second with about 16 percent, third lied Indonesia with around 7% and fourth Mexico with about 4%. After that a number of countries follow that only contribute between 3 and less than 1% to the world coffee production. (link)
There are about 35 countries in this band or zone around the equator that are regarded as the primary coffee producing nations. (link)
There are four popular coffee regions in the world, below you will find a list with more information.
- Arabia & Africa: These are some of the most distinct coffees you will ever taste. includes coffees from Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. Grown at the perfect altitude in rich black soil and the almost foggy evenings with hot days produce a coffee of legendary stature.
- The Americas: These coffees are grown on some of the most beautiful mountains ever witnessed. With virtually rainforest conditions these coffees re grown in an almost perfect atmosphere bearing the most aromatic and well balanced coffees of all time. Includes coffees from Colombia, Costa Rica, and Guatemala.
- The Pacific: Ready to go island hopping? Well that's what you will have to do to find all the great coffees grown in the pacific. Includes coffees from Sumatra, Java, New Guinea and Sulawesi. The almost magical climate with some of the best coffee growers in the world produces coffees that will embed themselves into your taste buds forever.
- Exotics: Includes Certified Hamaica Blue Mountain and Certified Havaiian Kona. (link)
Americas (Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America)
These coffees are generally light to medium bodied, with a clean mouth feel and slightly sweet, lively acidity. These are some of the most popular varieties that Starbucks sells, and their balance and consistency make them the foundation for coffee blending as well.
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Peru
- Puerto Rico
- Venezuela
Asia, Indonesia and Pacific
These coffees are generally at the opposite end of the spectrum from Latin American coffees. Usually full bodied, smooth and lower in acidity. Often comprised of exotic and earthy taste elements.
- Bali
- Hawii
- India
- Java
- Papua New Guinea
- Sulaweai
- Sumtra
- Timor (link)
World Map of coffee growing regions.
Brazil
In Brazil, the plantations cover huge areas and employ hundreds of workers to tend the plants. (link)
Coffee was introduced in Brazil by Francisco de Mello Palheta in 1727 from Cayenne, French Guiana.
Bourbon, Typica, Caturra, and Mundo Nono coffee varietals are grown in the states of Paranå, Espirito Santos, Såo Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Bahia. (link)
The vast majority of coffee farms in Brazil are less than ten hectares in size. According to the Diagnostico da Cafeiculutura em Minas Gerais, 71% of farms are less than 10 hectares, 25% of farms had less than 50 hectares, and only 4% of farms were larger than 50 hectares. Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer and produces around 25% of the world's supply of coffee. Eighty percent of coffee from Brazil is Arabica.
After arriving from French Guiana in the early 18th century, coffee quickly spread and thrived in Brazil. Today Brazil is responsible for about a third of all coffee production, making it by far the heavyweight champion of the coffee-producing world. Though many connoisseurs believe that Brazil’s emphasis on quantity takes a toll on quality, many also praise the country’s finer varieties. Brazil is the only high-volume producer subject to frost. The devastating 1975 frost, in particular, was a boon to other coffee-growing countries. Two 1994 frosts raised prices worldwide. Notable Beans: Bahia, Bourbon Santos. (link)
The vast majority of coffee farms in Brazil are less than ten hectares in size. According to the Diagnóstico da Cafeicultura em Minas Gerais, 71% of farms are less than 10 hectares, 25% of farms had less than 50 hectares, and only 4% of farms were larger than 50 hectares.
Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer and produces around 25% of the world's supply of coffee. Eighty percent of coffee from Brazil is Arabica. (link)
Coffee harvesting time for Brazil is March - October. The amount of 60Kg bags harvested from here in 1999 was 27 170 000, and the amount exported was 23 135 000. (link)
Colombia
In Colombia the rugged mountains and poor economic conditions means transportation to processing centers is still largely carried out by mule or Jeep. (link)
Coffee was introduced to Colombia in the early 1800's. Today Bourbon, Typica, Caturra, and Maragogype coffee varietals are cultivated.
Freshly roasted Colombian coffee beans are rich in flavour, heavy bodied, has a bright acidity, and is intensely aromatic. (link)
There are two main regions of coffee production in Colombia: Medillin, Armenia, and Manizales (MAM) in the central region and Bogotå and Bucaramanga in the eastern mountainous region. MAM coffees are known for their heavy body, rich flavour, and fine acidity. Bogotå is less acidic than Mesillin, but retains the richness and brightness. Bucaramanga is milder, often heavier bodied and rich in flavour reminiscent of Sumatran coffees. (link)
Colombia is the only South American country with both Atlantic and Pacific ports—an invaluable aid to shipping. The crop’s economic importance is such that all cars entering Colombia are sprayed for harmful bacteria. All the equipments introduced into the country are submitted to an antibacterial treatment to avoid any damage to the cultivations. Colombia’s coffee grows in the moist, temperate foothills of the Andes, where the combination of high altitude and moist climate makes for an especially mild cup. So many varieties of coffee are growing in the plantations that the government decided to gather all of them under the name M.A.M. that comes from the cultivation centres of Medellin, Armenia, Manizales. Medellin quality is the best for body and acidity. Very important is the Vintage Colombian, which is stored for 8 years before the roasting. Notable Beans: Medellin, Supremo, Bogotá (link)
Coffee harvesting time for Colombia is October - February and April - June. The amount of 60Kg bags harvested from here in 1999 was 9 300 000, and the amount exported was 9 995 000. (link)
Indonesia
Indonesia is composed of thousands of islands, where coffee has been grown since the Dutch colonists introduced it in the 17th century. Though other countries have greater technology, no one exceeds the helpful warm, damp micro-climates found here. Hundreds of one to two acre farms on the largest islands of Sumatra, Java and Sulawesi combine to secure the countries third place position. (link)
The amount of 60Kg bags harvested from Indonesia in 1999 was 7 833 000, and the amount exported was 5 084 000. (link)
Costa Rica
Coffee harvesting time for Costa Rica Atlantic coast is August - November, and the Pacific coast is September - December. The amount of 60Kg bags harvested from these in 1999 was 2 467 000, and the amount exported was 2 196 000. (link)
Ethiopia
The natural home of the arabica tree and the setting for most of coffee’sorigin legends, Ethiopia is Africa’s top arabica exporter and leads the continent in domestic consumption. About 12 million Ethiopians make their living from coffee, whose name is said to be a derivation of “Kaffa,” the name of an Ethiopian province. Ethiopia produces some of the most unique and fascinating coffees in the world. The three main regions where Ethiopia coffee beans originate are Harrar, Ghimbi, and Sidamo (Yirgacheffe). (link)
Coffee harvesting time for Ethiopia is August - January. The amount of 60Kg bags harvested from here in 1999 was 3 833 000, and the amount exported was 1 818 000. (link)
Jamaica
Jamaica produces only arabica, primarily of the Typica variety. The production of coffee in Jamaica is not entirely intended for export. Jamaicans drink coffee and use a portion of their production to manufacture their local specialty, a liquor called Tia-Maria. (link)
Jamaican Blue Mountain - from the Blue Mountain region of Jamaica. Due to somewhat limited production, with Japan virtually cornering the market in prior years, Jamaican Blue Mountain has gained the reputation today as one of the most premium and expensive coffees available. Popular for it's mild flavor, smooth body and lack of bitterness. The Blue Mountains of Jamaica are located between Kingston to the south and Port Maria to the north. At heights of over 7500 feet, these are some of the highest elevations in the Caribbean. (link)
Coffee harvesting time for Jamaica is August - September. The amount of 60Kg bags harvested from here in 1999 was 40 000, and the amount exported was 24 000. (link)
Mexico
Coffee came to Mexico from Antilles at the end of the 18th century, but was not exported in great quantities until the 1870s. Today, approximately 100,000 small farms generate most Mexican coffee, and most of the beans come from the south. Mexico is the largest source of U.S. coffee imports. Notable Beans: Altura, Liquidambar MS, Pluma Coixtepec. (link)
Coffee harvesting time for Mexico High Altitudes is Novemver - January, and Low Altitudes is August - November. The amount of 60Kg bags harvested from here in 1999 was 6 193 000, and the amount exported was 4 358 000. (link)
Vietnam
Coffee has been a major source of income for Vietnam since the early 20th Century. First introduced by the French in 1857, the Vietnamese coffee industry developed through the plantation system, becoming a major economic force in the country. (link)
In 2009, Reuters reported Vietnamese coffee exports at "an estimated 1.13 million tonnes" for the previous year, stating that coffee was second only to rice in value of agricultural products exported from Vietman. (link)
Most coffee producers are local and state owned, such as Trung Nguyen Coffee Company Ltd, Hung Phat Company Ltd, Tam Chau Tea and Coffee Company Ltd, Viet Pacific Co. Ltd, known as Vietcoffee, and Vinacafe. (link)
The quality of the beans, however, has typically limited their marketability. Robusta coffee accounts for 97 per cent of Vietnam's total output, with 1.17 million tonnes exported in 2009, a value of USD 1.7 billion. Arabica production is expected to rise owing to the expansion of growing areas. Other types of coffee grown in Vietnam include Chari (Excelsa) and Catimor. (link)
French missionaries first brought coffee to Vietnam in the mid-1860s, but production remained negligible as late as 1980. In the 1990s, however, Vietnamese coffee production has been ratcheted up at a furious pace. Daklak is Vietnam’s main coffee-growing region. Notable Beans: Vietnam specializes in robusta production. (link)
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