Coffee Plantations in Different Countries

Coffee trees are planted all around the world where the climatic conditions favor its growth. In addition to the location, there are many other factors that decide the coffee plantation. The combination of factors required for optimal growth becomes varied resulting in the variation in quality and taste.

The factors that affect or favor the growth of coffee plantations include:

• High altitude
• Tropical climate
• Variety of the plant
• Chemistry of the soil
• Amount of rainfall
• Amount of sunshine

These factors combined with the method with which the coffee cherries are processed add to the distinctions between coffees from countries, growing regions and plantations worldwide. Coffee is grown in more than 50 countries, mostly in the Equatorial zone, between latitudes 25 degrees North and 30 degrees South.

North America

Hawaii- Hawaii islands are famous for Kona coffee which produces a deliciously rich, fragrant cup of medium body. The tropical environment favors optima growth of coffee plantations. Coffee plants are planted on the slope of the active Mauna Loa volcano in the black soil. The plants are protected from intense sun in the afternoon by the tropical clouds. The islands receive just the right rain enough to nourish the young plants.

Mexico- Mexico is one of the largest coffee producers in the world with more than 100,000 coffee farmers. Coffee farms are relatively smaller and are located in the states of Veracruz, Oaxaca and Chiapas. The beans are appropriate for dark roasts and blends. Mexican coffee has rich aroma and deep flavor. Altura refers to a Mexican coffee, and means one that is grown in high altitude.

Puerto Rico- Puerto Rico had once been the 6th leading exporter of coffee in the world, however, it could maintain its standing. With the economy being revived, the coffee industry has again started looking up. Coffees plants are carefully cultivated from quality arabica varieties in two major growing regions Grand Lares in the south central and Yauco Selecto in the southwest. The coffee grown in Puero Rico is excellent in terms of its balanced body, acidity and fruity fragrance.

Central America

Guatemala- In Guatemala, coffee is grown in Antigua, Coban and Heuhuetanango where the favorable climatic conditions include rugged landscape and rich volcanic soil. Microclimates strongly affect the quality and taste of the coffee beans grown at altitudes 4500' or higher. Guatmala coffee has a distinctive taste with medium to full body, and a spicy or chocolaty flavor.

Costa Rica- Costa Rica produces only wet processed arabicas that are grown mostly in small farms called fincas. Beneficios is the term used for the modern processing facilities, where the cherries are brought post harvest and the wet processing begins immediately. The Costa Rica coffee has perfect balance with medium body and sharp acidity.

South America

Colombia- Colombia is the second largest yearly producer of coffee and works hard towards maintain its position of quality coffee producer. The country has thousands of small coffee farms growing on extremely rugged landscape. Although the landscape provides favorable environment for growth of coffee plants, it becomes a hurdle in transportation to production units and shipment centers. The Colombian coffee is mild and has well-balanced acidity. Colombian Supremo, the highest grade, has a subtle, aromatic sweetness while Excelso Grade might be softer and slightly more acidic.

Brazil- Brazil is the biggest coffee producing country in the world, with coffee plantations spread over vast areas of land. The huge farms produce huge quantities of coffee, and are managed and operated by hundreds of people. Arabica and robusta, both varieties of coffee are grown in different regions depending upon the climate, soil quality and the altitude. The Brazilian coffee is clear, sweet, medium-bodied, and has less acidity.

East Africa

Ethiopia- Ethiopia is considered to be the origin of coffee. The coffee here, is harvested from the wild coffee trees growing in three main regions- Sidamo, Harer or Kaffa. Ethiopia produces wet processed coffee. The coffee is full bodied and has strong flavor.

Kenya- Coffee grown in Kenya is well known in United States and Europe for its sharp, fruity acidity, combined with full body and rich fragrance. The coffee plantations are located in the foothills of Mount Kenya. Kenyan producers are very careful about the processing and drying procedures followed which are carefully controlled and monitored. Kenya follows a unique grading system for the coffee beans. According to the system, Kenyan AA is the largest bean in a 10-size grading system and AA+ means that it was estate grown.

West Africa

Ivory Coast- Ivory Coast is one of the largest produces of robusta coffee. The coffee has a strong smell, with light body and mild acidity. These coffees are suitable for dark roasts and used for espresso blends.

The Arabian Peninsula

Yemen- Yemen was the place where the coffee was commercially cultivated for the first time. Due to scarcity of water, coffee beans tend to be smaller, and irregular in size and shape. The coffee is processed through dry method. The Yemini coffee is rich and deep in color and flavor. The Mocha coffee was named after famous Yemini port of Mocha, from where coffee used to be shipped all over the world. The Dutch combined this Arabian coffee Arabian coffee with coffee grown on the island of Java, making a popular blend, Mocha Java.

Asia

Indonesia- Indonesia has several large islands like Sumatra, Java and Sulawesi, known for the excellent coffee grown there. The coffee farms are small and spread over 1-2 acres. The coffee is mostly dry processed. The coffee grown here is rich, full bodies and has mild acidity. Another rare type, the fine aged coffees, can also be found in Indonesia. The coffee stored in warehouses gently ages in the warm, damp climate, giving the coffee a deeper body and less acidity.

Vietnam- Vietnam has a large coffee production. Robusta coffee is grown in small plantations in the southern half of the country. The coffee is known for its light acidity, mild body and good balance.