How coffee is grown – from coffee berry to bean

The complete guide to coffee's journey from plant to cup

Coffee is one of the world's most beloved beverages. Over 2 billion cups of coffee are drunk every day, but few know the long and fascinating journey from coffee berries on a tree to the roasted beans that end up in your coffee cup .

In this guide, we go through how coffee is grown, harvested, processed and turned into coffee beans – step by step.

What is coffee really?

Coffee comes from the coffee bush (Coffea) , a tropical plant that produces small red fruits called coffee berries or coffee cherries .

Inside each coffee berry are usually two coffee beans , which are the seeds that are later roasted and ground into coffee.

The two most common species are:

Arabica (Coffea Arabica)

• Accounts for approximately 60–70% of the world's coffee production

• Milder and more aromatic taste

• Often grown at higher altitudes

Robusta (Coffea Canephora)

• Stronger and more bitter taste

• Contains more caffeine

• Grows better in warmer and lower climates

Where is coffee grown?

Coffee grows in what is called the coffee belt – an area around the equator between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn .

The largest coffee producing countries are:

• Brazil

• Vietnam

• Colombia

• Ethiopia

• Honduras

• Indonesia

Coffee requires a tropical climate with even temperatures and abundant rainfall .

Ideal conditions:

• Temperature: 18–24°C

• Altitude: 600–2000 meters above sea level

• Soil: nutritious and well-drained

How does the coffee bush grow?

A coffee bush can grow up to 10 meters tall , but on plantations it is often pruned to about 2–3 meters to make harvesting easier.

The life cycle of coffee

1. Planting

2. Flowering

3. Coffee berries develop

4. Maturity

5. Harvest

From planting to the first harvest, it usually takes 3–4 years .

The coffee bush is blooming

When the rainy season begins, the coffee bush blooms with white, jasmine-like flowers .

The flowering period only lasts a few days but is crucial for the harvest.

After pollination, small green coffee berries begin to grow.

Coffee berry maturity

It usually takes 6–9 months for coffee berries to ripen.

During this time they change color:

1. Green

2. Yellow

3. Red (ripe)

It is the red berries that are considered perfectly ripe for harvest.

How is coffee harvested?

There are two main methods of harvesting coffee.

Handpicking

The most qualitative method.

• Only ripe berries are picked

• Common on specialty coffee plantations

• Very labor-intensive

Advantages:

• Better quality

• Minor defects

Machine harvesting

More common on large plantations, especially in Brazil.

Machines shake the trees so that the berries fall down.

Disadvantages:

• Ripe and unripe berries are mixed

• May provide lower quality

From coffee berry to coffee bean

After harvesting, the berries must be processed to extract the beans .

There are three main processes.

1. Washed coffee

The most common method for high-quality Arabica coffee .

Process:

1. The coffee berries are pulped (the skin is removed)

2. The beans are fermented in water

3. They are washed clean

4. Dried in the sun

Results:

• Pure taste

• High acidity

• Fruity notes

2. Natural process (Dry process)

The oldest method.

Process:

1. Whole coffee berries are dried in the sun

2. The pulp remains

3. The beans are taken out after drying.

Results:

• Sweeter coffee

• Fuller body

• Berry flavors

Common in:

• Brazil

• Ethiopia

3. Honey process

A hybrid between washed and natural.

Some of the fruit pulp is left behind during drying.

Results:

• Sweeter taste

• Soft acidity

• Complex coffee

Drying coffee beans

After processing, the beans must be dried to approximately 10–12% moisture content .

Drying usually takes place on:

• Sun drying beds

• Concrete terraces

• Mechanical dryers

This process can take 7–20 days .

From green coffee to roasted beans

After drying, the beans are called green coffee .

Before exporting:

1. Shell to be removed

2. The beans are sorted

3. Quality is checked

They are then exported to coffee roasters around the world .

Roasting – where the flavor is created

Roasting is the process where the coffee's flavor develops.

During roasting:

• Sugars are caramelized

• Oils are released

• Aromas develop

Three common rust grades:

Light rust

• Fruity notes

• High acidity

Middle grate

• Balanced taste

• Common in Sweden

Dark rust

• Strong taste

• More bitterness

Grinding and brewing

After roasting, the coffee beans are ground.

The degree of grinding affects the taste:

• Coarse – pressed coffee

• Medium – brewed coffee

• Fine – espresso

Freshly ground coffee gives the best aroma and flavor .

How long does it take to produce coffee?

From planting to finished cup, the process can take:

3–5 years

The steps:

1. Planting

2. Growth

3. Flowering

4. Harvest

5. Processing

6. Drying

7. Roasting

This makes coffee a time-consuming and artisanal product .

Therefore, cultivation affects the taste

Several factors affect the taste of coffee:

Height

Higher altitude often produces more complex flavors .

Soil

Mineral-rich soil gives more character.

Climate

Temperature and rain affect development.

Process method

Washed, natural or honey give completely different flavor profiles.

Frequently asked questions about coffee farming

How many coffee beans are in a coffee berry?

Usually two , but sometimes just one – then it is called a peaberry .

How much coffee does a coffee bush produce?

Approximately 0.5–1 kg of roasted coffee per year .

How long is the lifespan of a coffee bush?

Up to 30–40 years , but high production usually occurs in the first 15–20 years .

Summary

Coffee undergoes a long journey before it ends up in your cup:

1. The coffee bush is grown in tropical climates

2. Coffee berries ripen on the tree

3. The berries are harvested

4. The beans are processed and dried

5. Green coffee is exported

6. The beans are roasted and ground

The result is a beverage that combines agriculture, craft and science .

The next time you drink coffee, know that each cup represents years of work and a global journey from coffee berry to bean .

Buy fresh coffee from our roastery

Do you want to experience the taste of really fresh coffee?

At Hälla Kafferosteri we roast coffee in small batches for maximum flavor and aroma.

Why you should choose our coffee

• Freshly roasted specialty coffee

• Carefully selected coffee beans

• Sustainable and traceable cultivations

👉 Explore our range and discover the difference with freshly roasted coffee.