sun-grown coffee may still comprise the bulk of world supply, yet shade grown and organic farms are growing in prominence for good reason: shade grown coffee offers many ecosystem services which improve quality while simultaneously lowering costs while simultaneously protecting biodiversity and habitats.

Shaded farms offer numerous advantages in managing pests. Coffee plants grown under cover of trees are less vulnerable to disease or insects than those growing under direct sunlight, enabling farmers to forego chemical pest control methods and save on chemical costs. Furthermore, trees act as natural pollution filters by intercepting rainfall and reducing soil erosion – they even provide steady supplies of nitrogen into the soil that reduce the need for fertilizers!

Shaded coffee helps protect aquifers that may otherwise be depleted through intensive sun-grown farming practices, saving up to 85% of water needed for irrigation with shade-grown farms.

Shade-grown coffee’s environmental benefits are equally evident. A slower ripening process allows its beans to develop more complex flavors – including sweet acidity, delicate floral undertones and undertones of fruit caramel and chocolate – creating a delicious cup beloved by specialty coffee enthusiasts.

Shaded coffee boasts distinctive flavor characteristics that reflect its regional of origin, such as in Thailand with bright acidity with citrus notes and dark cocoa notes, or Indonesia with subtle nutty aromas and caramel tones.

Subtle differences differentiate shade grown and organic coffee from mass-produced sun-grown varieties, and consumers have become more informed of this distinction. Consumers increasingly desire higher-quality beverages that not only are sustainably produced but support local communities who grow them as evidenced by single origin and direct trade offerings.

Knowing these benefits, what coffee brands qualify as shade grown and organic? Look for certification seals such as Rainforest Alliance or Bird Friendly that require coffee growers to maintain certain canopy coverage levels and forgo pesticide use that could impact bird prey; with Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center’s Bird Friendly standard being considered slightly more stringent.

The Exotic Bean is proud to provide coffee from sustainable farms that prioritize ecological care while producing delicious beverages. Our selections from Thailand, Sumatra and Indonesia as well as Guatemala and Costa Rica come both shade grown and organic for your enjoyment! Want to learn more? Take a look at our blog on shade grown/organic coffee benefits for more insight. Thank you for supporting our small, artisanal business!