Where Does Coffee Come From?

Learn where coffee originates, how coffee beans are grown and processed, and the major coffee-producing countries.

2 min read

Quick Answer

Coffee comes from the seeds (beans) inside cherries grown on Coffea plants, originally from Ethiopia. Brazil is the world's largest producer, followed by Vietnam, Colombia, and Indonesia. Coffee grows in the 'Bean Belt' between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Different regions produce distinct flavor profiles based on climate, altitude, and processing.

Key Takeaways

Legend says coffee was discovered in Ethiopia when a goat herder noticed his goats became energetic after eating certain berries.
Kopi Luwak (civet coffee) comes from beans eaten and excreted by civets - extremely expensive and controversial.
Decaf coffee still contains some caffeine (about 2-3% of regular).

Explanation

Legend says coffee was discovered in Ethiopia when a goat herder noticed his goats became energetic after eating certain berries. Coffee spread to Yemen, then throughout the Arab world, reaching Europe by the 1600s. Today's major varieties are Arabica (higher quality, 60% of production) and Robusta (more caffeine, hardier, often used in instant coffee and espresso blends).

Coffee cherries are harvested either by hand-picking (higher quality, selective) or machine stripping (faster, less selective). The beans are extracted through wet processing (fermented to remove fruit), dry processing (sun-dried with fruit on), or honey processing (partial fruit removal). Each method affects flavor differently.

Altitude significantly impacts flavor. Higher altitude coffee (grown above 4,000 feet) matures slower, developing more complex, acidic flavors. Lower altitude coffee tends to be simpler and more mild. Countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, and Colombia are known for high-altitude, complex coffees, while Brazilian coffee is often smoother and nuttier.

Things to Know

Kopi Luwak (civet coffee) comes from beans eaten and excreted by civets - extremely expensive and controversial.
Decaf coffee still contains some caffeine (about 2-3% of regular).
Climate change threatens coffee production, with suitable growing regions shrinking.