More than likely, your coffee beans are international travelers. There are over 30 species of the glorious bean growing plant, but most commercial coffee beans come from either the Coffee Arabica and Coffee Robusta plants. With a few exceptions, most coffee is imported from a few regions around the world. In fact, the only place coffee is grown in the United States is in the state of Hawaii. Hawaii is the only place in our country where the climate meets the proper altitude for coffee growing.
South America produces around 30 million sacks of coffee per year. Brazil is the biggest producer of all with their natural Arabicas, followed closely by Columbia, Venezuela, Peru, and Ecuador. Central America and the Caribbean Islands produce a lot of high quality hand picked Arabica Coffee as well. In Mexico, Panama and the many Caribbean Islands, coffee cultivation is a huge part of their economy. Most of the coffee grown in the Caribbean Islands is of the Arabica variety.
In Africa, the best coffees are grown in the higher altitudes of Kenya, Tanzania, and Cameroon. Water is a precious commodity there, so the beans tend to be a little smaller but carry just as much flavor. Most coffee from Africa is the Robusta variety.
We all know good tea comes from Asia, but how about coffee? Asia is quietly becoming a strong player in the coffee export world. Most coffee that is grown throughout Asia is of the Robusta type, but slowly Arabica Coffee is taking its prominence there.
No matter where your coffee is from, you should enjoy it fresh roasted to truly get the most of its flavor. Check out our many fantastic blends of this truly international drink!
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