Here’s how coffee is grown and processed. The following describes the “washed” or “wet” process, which is the predominant style of processing coffee in most countries (notable exceptions: Brazil, Indonesia, Ethiopia).
For the purpose of this article I’ve focused on growing and processing and avoided topics like the technical and political aspects of farming and producing. But feel free to have a look at my article on direct trade.
The Coffee Plant:

Coffea Arabica is the only species of interest for great coffee. It is normally an understory plant – that is, a shrub that grows under taller trees – native to mountainous regions of the tropics. This means a frost-free climate with high rainfall, consistent daytime temperatures around 20-30°C, and (preferably) distinct wet- and dry-seasons. Good volcanic soil is also common to the best growing regions.
All of the above amount to very specific environmental requirements! Continue Reading
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