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Coffee is a global favorite, enjoyed by millions every day. It’s not just popular—it’s the top traded crop around the world. Dive into the world of coffee, the most beloved beverage globally.
Coffee grows in a limited area known as the “coffee belt,” which is sadly shrinking each day.
Discover the five key reasons why the coffee belt is the perfect place for cultivating delicious coffee beans in this article.
Where Is the Coffee Belt?
The Coffee Belt, also known as the Bean Belt, wraps around the Earth between 23.5 degrees north and south of the equator. Spanning roughly 3,200 miles, it includes parts of North and South America, Asia, Oceania, and Africa. This zone is where all your favorite coffee comes from!
Discover the coffee belt, home to 70 countries, including the best coffee producers. Explore top picks and more.
- Brazil: The largest producer of coffee beans in the world today.
- Ethiopia: Where the coffee bean was first discovered.
- Vietnam: The largest producer of Robusta beans.
What Makes the Coffee Belt So Unique?
1. Temperature
Coffee thrives best at warm temperatures, ideally between 73–82°F (22–27°C).
Coffee belt countries enjoy warm weather, with temperatures staying above 70 degrees all year. This warmth is crucial for growing coffee. So, if your area gets chilly winters, growing coffee there might be a challenge.
2. Rainfall
Coffee thrives in rainy weather, as it needs plenty of water during its growth. In dry climates, growing coffee is nearly impossible. The soil must stay moist so the roots can spread and absorb water effectively.
Coffee beans are picked in the dry season, usually lasting 2-3 months, across the coffee-growing regions.
3. Humidity
Humidity plays a key role in growing coffee. For the best coffee, trees thrive in 50% to 70% humidity.
Too much humidity isn’t good for coffee trees. It can lead to diseases and slow their growth. While many tropical areas have humidity around 80%—a bit more than perfect—it’s still preferable to the much lower humidity levels outside the coffee-growing belt.
4. Soil
Coffee thrives in many soils, but the finest cups come from rich, fertile lands that drain well. Look for beans grown in sandy loams and clays, packed with organic goodness.
Volcanic soils are like a superfood for coffee plants! They’re packed with nitrogen and essential nutrients, making them incredibly fertile. This rich soil gives the plants everything they need to grow strong and healthy, right from the ground.
5. Elevation
Arabica coffee thrives at high elevations, ideally between 3,300 and 6,600 feet. The higher, the tastier the bean!
Higher up, where it’s cooler and less humid, coffee plants thrive. Fewer bugs mean healthier crops, especially for those special low-caffeine beans, since caffeine usually keeps pests away.
Did you know that the best coffee often comes from high up? Specialty coffees, considered top-notch, are grown at elevations close to 5,000 feet above sea level. Take Honduran coffee beans for instance; they need to be grown at 4,400 feet or higher to earn the prestigious “strictly high grown” label. Fascinating, right?
Discover how different coffee beans like Robusta defy the norm, thriving at low altitudes thanks to their extra caffeine kick.
What’s Next?
Did you know not all famous coffee countries grow their own beans? Take Italy, for example. Despite its renowned coffee brands, it’s too chilly up north for coffee plants. Instead, Italy imports beans, then roasts and blends them, showing how global teamwork brews your favorite cup!
Exploring the world of coffee is easy right from your kitchen! Start with a handy drip coffee maker to try beans from across the globe. To truly experience the unique flavors, though, think about adding a coffee grinder and an automatic pour-over coffee maker to your setup. These tools keep your coffee fresh and perfectly brewed, letting you distinguish the subtle tastes of Guatemalan, Mexican, and other exquisite beans.
