Growing
Coffee beans flourish in tropical climates with a proper balance of sun, shade, rain and rich soil. Quality coffee is found in altitudes of 3,000 to 6,000 ft. where cool nights slow down the ripening process of the coffee cherry, allowing the cherry to absorb nutrients. The nutrients and slow maturation help the cherry develop sweetness and flavor.
Coffee has several species, of which the Robusta and Arabica are the most common. These two species are commercially available throughout the world.
Robusta
The Robusta is grown at lower altitudes, is disease resistant and is highly productive. Growing at a lower altitude means harvesting is very economical. The species however, has a sour taste. Robusta coffee is commonly used in instant coffees and lower priced brands.
Arabica
The Arabica coffee is grown at higher altitudes, is prone to disease, and each tree produces only 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of green coffee per year. The coffee is known for its sweetness, body and abundance of flavor nuances. All of Amrita Certified Pure® coffees are 100% Arabica coffee beans.
The coffee growing cycle begins with the seedling.
Farmers select seedlings from plant varietals suited for the soil, altitude and weather conditions of their farm and processing method being used for the coffee. On larger farms, different parts of the farm may be suited for different varieties of coffee. Once the variety of plant is chosen, seedlings are selected from healthy plants.
Once the seedlings are selected, the seeds are planted in nursery beds under shade.
The farmer tends to the seedlings by providing the right amount of water to the beds. As the seedlings germinate, the root system develops. Farmers are looking for a strong root that is long and straight with an abundance of offshoots. Once a strong root system is developed, the seedlings are transferred to bags for their next growth stage. The seedlings continue to grow in the nursery until they are about one foot high.
At this point, the plants are transplanted into the fields, generally in rows about four to nine feet apart and under a canopy of shade.
Shade is mainly provided by native trees. Not only do the trees provide shade for the coffee, but they provide a habitat for migratory birds. Some shade trees are fruit trees, which provide additional income and food for the farmers and workers. The coffee plant bears its first flowers in about three to five years. After a few days, the flower will fall off and the beginnings of the coffee cherry emerge.
The coffee cherry will grow for seven to nine months.
During this time, the cherries develop their sweetness and flavor. Most cherries develop two seeds. These seeds will eventually grow into a coffee bean. In some cases only one seed forms. The single seed is a prized bean known as a peaberry; it is appreciated for its rich, deep flavor. The cherries will transform from a green to a rich red color, or yellow depending upon the variety.
