Origin History
So many of us coffee enthusiasts fell in love with this woody shrub that produces the coffee cherry which typically holds a pair of beans and originally grew in the wild across Ethiopia. The coffee tree grew to about 39 feet but since cultivation, the coffee bean trees are trimmed down to around 6 feet for easier harvesting.
It is still intense labor as most fruit does not materialize at the same time so coffee farmers must pick the cherries by hand. Once the cherries have been carefully handpicked, the bean is removed from the fruit to dry. Even more, each bean’s tasting profile (flavor & aroma) is unique to its province and the process that each particular region uses to harvest and dry their beans.
Made from the coffee plant Coffea arabica or Coffea canephora, in the Rubiaceae Family, the coffee bean is native to East Africa and grows best with frequent rain, warm temperatures (not extreme heat though), and hilly grounds or high elevations above sea level.
Although this is labor intensive work, the production of coffee helped small farmers gain their independence. And as coffee made its mark into the world, it has cultivated gatherings for centuries. “Coffeehouses were a staple in the Ottoman Empire, where they developed as spaces for men to meet, relax, and trade”1 over a cup of coffee.
“I guess the aroma of coffee became infused in my system and it unconsciously brought and still brings out warm and calming memories with me and my great grandmother, Honey... gathering at the table.”
Co-Founder, Angel A.
1Historic Collection / Alamy, BBC.com.
The Rich History of Coffee from Around the World.
The Birth of Coffee, Ethiopia
Known as the birth of coffee, Ethiopia’s coffee heritage dates back for centuries. Coffee beans were harvested from coffee plants that grew naturally across the country. It wasn’t until the 1500s when Ethiopia started cultivating coffee to trade on the market. Ethiopia is one of the largest commercial producers of coffee today – being the 5th largest producers worldwide.
Source: National Coffee Association USA
ncausa.org/about-coffee/history-of-coffee.
Tanzania
The Tanzania Arabica coffee bean comes from East Africa and is a rare specialty of the country and a rare bean. Tanzania farmers use a natural process to separate the beans from the cherries which result in a carefully crafted quality bean. It is medium-light in body and has a complex flavor that is light and smooth.
Colombia
Coffee is a big industry in Colombia, being the 3rd largest coffee producers globally. The Colombian Coffee Federation was established in 1927 to bring better strategies, production expectations, and standards to allow for expansion of international trade. Colombia established the Colombia brand to help further distinguish and guarantee the authenticity of their high quality coffee beans.
In Colombia, Tinto means more than just coffee but it is a gathering over a cup of coffee, which accurately captures the true meaning of our “Coffee Sundays” at Roasted. With its silky-smooth body, tropical & citrusy flavor, this Colombia Origin coffee is well balanced to make any gathering memorable.
Costa Rican Beans
With coffee being a major contributor to Costa Rican heritage, with the first bean arriving from Africa in the 1700s, Costa Rican’s have named their coffee beans, The Golden Bean. Costa Rica was the first country in Central America to establish a flourishing coffee industry. Being grown in nutrient-rich soil and as regions are committed to preserving the natural environment; it is no wonder why Costa Rican coffee beans are among one of the top coffee producers of the world.
Costa Rica beans are known to be the most versatile superior coffee beans and one of the world’s best with its ideal terrain, high elevations, volcanic soil, and 100% Arabica coffee due to their strict quality standards.
The name, Costa Rica 1808, represents the year Costa Rican coffee entered commercial production. Today, coffee is the second largest exported commodity of the country.
Mexican Shade-grown Beans
The country of Mexico has a rich coffee-producing heritage and our name, Aléxandriá 1785, represents the year coffee started in Mexico, in 1785. Many of the small organic farms in Mexico produced most of the country's finest and high quality coffee which grows mostly shade-grown arabica coffee beans.