Where is coffee grown?
Coffee is grown between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, 25 degrees north and south of the equator.
Known as 'the coffee belt', this region has the ideal conditions for coffee trees to flourish. Deep fertile soil, plenty of water and sunshine, good seasonal rainfall, no frost and temperatures averaging 22°C all year round.
The coffee tree
The coffee tree grows primarily at altitudes ranging from sea level to 6000 feet, with Arabica plants growing from 3000 to 6500 feet. Although it is technically an evergreen shrub, the coffee plant is usually referred to as a tree, for without pruning it can grow to a height of more that 20 feet. The coffee tree matures after five years and is ready to produce its first crop of 'cherries'.
A single coffee tree can produce commercial-quality fruit for approximately 25 years. The round berries ripen from green to bright red and, because of their appearance, they are referred to as 'coffee cherries'. Coffee 'beans' are actually the seeds inside the berries and each berry normally contains two half beans.
These green beans are almost tasteless and it is the roasting process that draws out their oils and provides the range of flavours.
Arabica v’s Robusta
There are two different types of coffee bean Arabica and Robusta. Arabica coffees are smooth and mild yet rich in flavour, which is why they are more highly sought after. Robusta coffees have a dry flinty and harsh taste. In Bewley's we only use the highest quality Grade 1 Arabica beans.
