Coffee Tree Plant Harvesting:
Optimal Time and Technique

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with an estimated 2.25 billion cups consumed every day. Coffee trees are grown in over 60 countries, and the harvesting process is a critical step in coffee production. Harvesting coffee beans at the right time and using the proper technique is essential to producing high-quality coffee. In this article, we will discuss the optimal time and technique for coffee tree plant harvesting.

When to Harvest Coffee Beans

The timing of coffee bean harvesting is crucial because it affects the quality and taste of the final product. Coffee beans are ripe when they turn from green to deep red or yellow. The best time to harvest coffee depends on the type of coffee plant and the desired flavor.

• Arabica Coffee: Arabica coffee is typically harvested between May and September, depending on the region. It takes around nine months for Arabica beans to mature fully. The ideal time to harvest Arabica coffee is when the cherries are deep red and have a sweet aroma.
• Robusta Coffee: Robusta coffee is usually harvested between October and January. It takes around ten months for Robusta beans to mature fully. The best time to harvest Robusta coffee is when the cherries are a dark red color.

It’s crucial to note that harvesting too early or too late can affect the quality of the coffee. Early harvesting results in a sour taste, while late harvesting produces a bitter taste.

Techniques for Harvesting Coffee Beans

The technique used to harvest coffee beans also plays a significant role in determining their quality. There are two main methods for harvesting coffee:

Selective Picking:

Selective picking is a meticulous method that involves handpicking only the ripe cherries from the tree, leaving unripe ones to mature further. This method produces high-quality beans but is labor-intensive and time-consuming.

Selective picking is typically used for specialty coffee production, where quality is prioritized over quantity. This method is prevalent in Central and South American countries like Costa Rica, Colombia, and Brazil.

Strip Picking:

Strip picking involves stripping all the cherries from the tree, regardless of their ripeness. This method is faster and more efficient than selective picking, but it produces lower-quality beans.

Strip picking is commonly used for mass-produced coffee, where quantity is prioritized over quality. This method is prevalent in African countries like Ethiopia and Uganda.

FAQ

How long does it take for coffee beans to mature?

It takes around nine months for Arabica beans to mature fully and ten months for Robusta beans to mature fully.

What is the best time to harvest coffee beans?

The ideal time to harvest Arabica coffee is when the cherries are deep red and have a sweet aroma. The best time to harvest Robusta coffee is when the cherries are a dark red color.

What are the different techniques for harvesting coffee beans?

The two main methods for harvesting coffee are selective picking and strip picking.

Which harvesting method produces higher-quality beans?

Selective picking produces higher-quality beans, but it’s labor-intensive and time-consuming. Strip picking is faster and more efficient but produces lower-quality beans.

In conclusion, coffee tree plant harvesting is a critical step in coffee production that determines the quality and taste of the final product. Harvesting at the right time and using the proper technique is essential to producing high-quality coffee. Whether you prefer Arabica or Robusta coffee, understanding the optimal harvesting time and technique can make a significant difference in your coffee’s flavor.