What is shade-grown coffee? Why is it important?

Shade-grown coffee is coffee that is grown under a canopy of trees, generally found in the cloud forest. This type of coffee farming has been practiced for centuries, and it has many benefits for both the environment and the farmers who grow it.

One of the main benefits of shade-grown coffee is that it helps to protect the environment. Coffee trees are native to tropical forests, and they thrive in a shaded environment. When coffee is grown in full sun, it can lead to deforestation, as farmers clear the forest to make way for coffee plantations. While this does maximize the amount of coffee a farm can harvest it minimizes the space for native flora and fauna. This deforestation can have a number of negative consequences, including soil erosion, water pollution, and the loss of biodiversity.

Shade-grown coffee, on the other hand, helps to conserve forests. The trees that shade the coffee plants provide a home for a variety of wildlife, and they help to keep the soil healthy. Shade-grown coffee farms also tend to be more productive than sun-grown farms, as the trees provide shade and wind protection for the coffee plants.

In addition to its environmental benefits, shade-grown coffee also has a number of social benefits. Shade-grown coffee farms tend to be more sustainable for coffee growing communities than sun-grown farms, and they provide better livelihoods for farmers. Shade-grown coffee farmers are less likely to use pesticides and fertilizers, which can be harmful to the environment and to human health. They are also more likely to use traditional farming methods, which can help to preserve the local culture and traditions.

Overall, shade-grown coffee is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way to grow coffee. It provides a number of benefits for both the environment and the farmers who grow it. If you are looking for a coffee that is good for the planet and the people who grow it, then you should choose shade-grown coffee. Some good questions to ask your coffee roaster is if the coffee is shade-grown, organic and fair trade.

Here are some additional benefits of shade-grown coffee:

Better taste: Shade-grown coffee is often said to have a better taste than sun-grown coffee. This is because the coffee cherries ripen more slowly under the shade of trees, which allows them to develop more complex flavors.

Higher quality: Shade-grown coffee is often of higher quality than sun-grown coffee. This is because the coffee cherries are less likely to be damaged by pests and diseases under the shade of trees.

More sustainable: Shade-grown coffee is more sustainable than sun-grown coffee. This is because it helps to conserve forests, protect water resources, and reduce soil erosion.

Better for the farmers: Shade-grown coffee is better for the farmers who grow it. This is because it provides a more stable income and a better quality of life.

If you are looking for a coffee that is good for the planet, the people who grow it, and your taste buds, then you should choose shade-grown coffee. Many of our single origins are shade-grown! Check out our shop to learn more!