Where Does Coffee Come From?

Coffee is a beloved beverage enjoyed by millions of people worldwide every day, but have you ever wondered where it comes from? From its ancient origins to the countries that produce it today, coffee has a rich and fascinating history. Let’s explore the origins of coffee, where it comes from now, why it can’t grow in the U.S., and where we as a company source our beans from.

Origins of Coffee

Although there isn’t official documentation to confirm exactly who discovered coffee trees for the first time, we do have lots of legends that piece the history together.

According to legend, a goat herder named Kaldi was the first person to discover our life supply, AKA coffee beans. Kaldi noticed that after his goats ate the “cherries” of a particular tree in the forest, they had so much energy that they didn’t want to sleep at night (we’ve all been there when we drink that cup too late in the afternoon). Kaldi and the abbot of the local monastery, who was known to struggle to stay awake during the long hours of evening prayer, made a drink with said cherries, and the rest is history.

Where Does Coffee Come From Now?

Located between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer, horizontally along the equator, is a strip of land known as The Coffee Belt, also known as The Bean Belt. These places all have a similar climate to the origin of the coffee bean — Ethiopia.

The keys to growing coffee plants are a rich soil, mild temperatures, lots of rain, a dry season, and shaded sun. This is what makes places like India, Peru, and Costa Rica ideal for growing coffee. The Coffee Belt strings through 70 countries that are known for tropical climates and rich environments, full of lush vegetation and optimal growing soils.

A lot of the countries in the Coffee Belt are also part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, whose volcanic activity contributes to the richness of the soil that coffee plants thrive in. When you have all these factors mixed together, it creates an optimal environment for coffee plants to grow and thrive.

Almost all of the coffee in the world is produced between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer — 75 percent of the world’s coffee supply are Arabica beans, and the other 25 percent are Robusta beans (Death Wish uses a combination of the two, sourcing Fair Trade and Organic beans from India and Peru).

Why Doesn’t Coffee Grow In America?

Since these conditions all need to be present to make the rich beans we all want in our coffee, it is no surprise that only 2 out of our 50 states can grow coffee — California and Hawaii. Simply put, we do not have the climate to support growing coffee.

Additionally, American coffee production is projected to continue to decrease, experiencing a decrease of 26% in 2023-24. This is largely due to many destructive factors, including the infestation of an invasive coffee berry borer beetles, and an infectious fungal disease called coffee leaf rust, as well as other environmental issues such as drought and flooding.

Where We Source Coffee From:

At Death Wish Coffee, every bean tells a story of strength, sustainability, and bold smooth flavor. We meticulously source our USDA Organic and Fair Trade Certified™ arabica and robusta beans from the rich soils of India, Peru, and select regions across South and Central America. But our commitment goes beyond just great coffee—it’s about making a real impact.

Why Fair Trade and Organic:

Being a Fair Trade Certified™ coffee brand isn’t just a label—it’s a commitment to doing what’s right. At Death Wish Coffee, we believe that the strength of our brew should never come at the expense of the people who grow it. Fair Trade ensures that farmers receive fair wages, work in safe conditions, and have access to resources that improve their communities. It also promotes sustainable farming practices that protect the environment for future generations.

It is important to us to use USDA Organic Certified coffee in our roasts because this ensures our coffee is not only rich in flavor, but also free of chemicals and other harmful pesticides. Being Organic not only means that our beans are chemical free and sustainable growing practices are used, which increases the taste of the bean due to growing in naturally rich soil.

By choosing Fair Trade and Organic coffee you are standing up for ethical sourcing, empowering farmers, and fueling a global movement toward fairness and sustainability with every cup.

Coffee has traveled a long way from its origins in Ethiopia to becoming a global staple. Its history is intertwined with culture, trade, and even politics. Whether you enjoy a morning espresso or a smooth pour-over, every cup of coffee carries centuries of tradition and craftsmanship. So, the next time you take a sip of your bold brew, remember the incredible journey that brought coffee from distant farms to your favorite mug.

Related: How to Support Fair Trade

Image Credit: Anastasiia Chepinska via Unsplash