Where is it?

Let’s start off by explaining the most infamous Coffee Belt, which is the region between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. To be exact, it is 25 degrees north of the equator and 30 degrees south. So for the mornings when you feel you have not slept fast enough, you have this lovely part of our planet to thank for your caffeine kick.

Growing conditions:

The coffee belt is known for it’s warm and humid weather, with temperatures ranging from 15-30 degrees Celsius and altitudes of 750m – 2200m. It’s a tropical climate, that not only affects the weather but also the soil characteristics. Some of the countries along the equator are too hot, so in those places it can only grow in high altitude where the air is cooler and the temperature remains consistent.

It encapsulates the ring of fire, the area of earth that includes many volcanoes that creates ideal soil for coffee trees and plants to obtain those familiar coffee notes we love.

Countries within the coffee belt:

There are almost 70 countries that produce coffee. North America and the Caribbean are mainly broken down into, Mexico, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Central America is broken down into Costa Rica, Guatemala and Honduras. South America is broken down into Brazil and Columbia. Whilst each coffee has it’s own distinctive tastes, generally the coffees from the America’s region are mild yet balanced, with nutty or spicy notes and have a mild acidity.

Africa’s most commonly recognised regions are Kenja, Ethiopia and the Ivory Coast. Characteristics to these regions tend to be a bright with an acidic taste, with wide ranging fruity notes and a medium body.

Asia’s most renowned coffee regions are Indonesia, Vietnam and Yemen. They can be recognised for their earthy and chocolaty taste with sweet notes and a heavy bodied cup.