Have you ever wondered where your coffee comes from? If the answer is no, don’t be ashamed — you’re not alone. I was once the epitome of the “average coffee drinker,” thinking only about how and when I would get my coffee instead of its origins. However, I’ve discovered that learning where your coffee comes from can enhance the coffee-drinking experience.
Most coffee comes from regions within the coffee belt. What is the coffee belt? Well, it’s an imaginary line between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, from Africa to Asia. The countries within the so-called coffee belt or “bean belt” are responsible for producing most of the coffee we drink daily.
Locating the coffee belt
The coffee belt is an imaginary belt that can only be seen on map mock-ups, which stretches between 25 degrees north and 30 degrees south of the equator. Spanning three major continents, the countries within the coffee belt are where the majority of the world’s coffee is produced.
There are over 70 coffee-producing countries in the world, according to Starbucks, which purchases about 3% of all coffee grown worldwide. Within these 70, about 40 countries are classified as part of the coffee belt. The warm and humid climate, soil conditions, and altitude, about 600 to 2,000 meters above sea level, create the perfect conditions for growing coffee effectively. Many countries commonly known for coffee growing, such as Colombia and Brazil, lie within the bean belt.
Ideal growing conditions for coffee
What makes the coffee belt so important are the elements of the climate and geography that create optimal coffee-growing conditions. Although coffee can grow outside the coffee belt, it can be challenging and complex to do in large quantities. The taste and flavor profile of coffee grown outside the bean belt might also not be ideal.
Temperature stability
First and foremost, the optimal temperature for coffee trees is 64 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18-21 Celsius). Due to their location near the equator, the stable temperatures within countries in the coffee belt are perfect for these optimal temperatures. Some countries here don’t typically experience extreme temperature fluctuations, with generally moderate temperatures throughout the year.
Altitude
Coffee can still grow at specific altitudes in countries with too-hot temperatures. Higher evaluations above sea level have cooler temperatures that don’t fluctuate. According to Scribblers Coffee Co., coffee grown at higher altitudes typically has a more complex flavor than coffee grown at lower altitudes.
Rainfall
The fluctuations of rainfall in countries in the coffee belt also help coffee trees thrive. The dry season balances the combination of periods of very heavy rains in the wet season. The rainfall conditions allow coffee trees to get the right amount of water and moisture needed to thrive.
Rich soil
Volcanic soil found in coffee belt countries is often rich in nutrients, which also helps support optimal coffee-growing conditions. The Pacific Ring of Fire, a region around the Pacific Ocean where 75% of the world’s volcanoes lie, is to thank for fertile, mineral-rich soil in the coffee belt. The nutrients within volcanic soil, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium, support coffee beans’ full-bodied flavor. Many popular coffee brands, such as Volcanica coffee, are known for highlighting their focus on the rich soil found in these countries.
Top coffee belt countries
True coffee lovers can find value in exploring coffee grown in various countries within the coffee belt. The taste of coffee from each region can vary due to differences in altitude and coffee-processing methods (how the beans are washed and roasted after they’re grown).
Central America
Guatemala and Costa Rica are well known in Central America for producing exceptional coffee. Guatemala’s diverse landscape and favorite climate yield a delicious cup of coffee, such as Peace Coffee’s Buy at Peace Coffee (US) Single Origin blend. Many popular coffee brands like Bones Coffee Company’s Costa Rica Single-Origin Coffee also have delicious Buy at Bones Coffee blends sourced from beans grown in the coffee belt.
South America
Brazil and Colombia are two of South America’s top coffee-producing countries. Even the casual coffee drinker probably knows this, as there are endless Brazilian and Colombian blends at your favorite coffee shops. Brazil is known for producing the most coffee, but many coffee drinkers find coffee sourced from Colombia has a distinct flavor profile. I find Colombian coffee to have a slightly nutty and chocolatey taste. Peet’s Buy at Peet's Coffee Single Origin coffee is a personal favorite.
Africa and Asia
Widely considered the “birthplace of coffee,” Ethiopia is one of Africa’s top coffee-growing countries along the coffee belt. Coffee grown here is well known for its bright, light roast flavor and floral aroma. Another top coffee producer in Africa is Kenya, known for growing coffee with distinct fruity and “berry-like” notes. Vietnam, Indonesia, and Yemen are Asia’s top coffee-producing countries from the coffee belt. Vietnam is the second-largest coffee-producing country behind Brazil and is known explicitly for growing Robusta coffee beans.
