Coffee cultivation

There are two main types of coffee: arabica and robusta. The characteristics of the flavour of the coffee are determined by the location of the coffee plantation, the level of nutrients in the soil, and the amount of sun and rain. The arabica plant often grows at slightly higher altitudes than the robusta plant.

In season, the branches bear both blossoms and ripe and unripe berries. The berries are picked and once they have been harvested there is still pulp around the kernel. By drying or washing the berries, the kernel is released from the pulp. This green kernel - the coffee bean - is what undergoes processing.