10 Facts About the Coffee Plant

By Beth Garrison, CEO

Well, money doesn't grow on trees, but coffee sure does! Here are 10 facts about the coffee plant, that we find fascinating! After you read, head to our shop and check out some of our unique fair trade organic blends!

1) Coffee grows on trees

The coffea plant is typically pruned back, but can grow pretty high if left to its own growth.

2) Coffee "beans" are really cherry seeds

The coffea plant produces multicolored "cherries" (ranges in color from green to reds to yellow). The coffee "bean" is really the seed of the cherry.

3) Coffee plants do not grow overnight

Coffee plants take a year to grow, and then 5 years to reach its full potential to produce fruit.

4) Coffee plants can outlive humans

Coffee plants can live to be 100 years old, but are most productive between 7 to 20 years of age.

5) Coffee is grown on the "Bean Belt"

Most of the world's coffee is grown and harvested along what is referred to as "The Bean Belt" which lies along the Equator.

6) Coffee's taste is unique to where it is grown

Many variables effect the taste of coffee, from the amount of sunlight, soil, water, and altitude. Coffee grown in the same geographic area can vary greatly in taste from farm to farm based on these variables.

7) Coffee must be dried

Coffee seeds are removed from the cherry through either a dry or wet method. With either method, the wet pulp is removed from the seed and the seed must be dried before it can be milled.

8) There are two types of coffee species

Coffee is made from the seeds of the Arabica or Robusta plants. Arabica is grown in steep terrains and must be cultivated in specific temperatures. Robusta plants make up 30% of the world's coffee and must be cultivated in areas with lots of rainfall.

9) Coffee cherries have two seeds

Well, most of them do. The ones that have only one are considered to be a mutation. This seed is called a "peaberry" and is known for its unique sweet taste.

10) Coffee storage

Coffee loses its freshness almost as soon as it is finished roasting. Coffee's enemy is heat, light, and humidity, so storing your beans in dark, airtight containers is best.