Shade grown coffee is grown under the canopy of taller trees to replicate natural forest ecosystems, providing an environmentally-friendly farming method that supports biodiversity while decreasing synthetic inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, while supporting soil health and water conservation.

Coffee plants tend to thrive under shade trees as they offer many advantages: protection from harsh sunlight, improved soil quality via nitrogen-fixing roots and leaves, temperature regulation buffers and even serve as habitat for birds that provide natural pest control measures.

Unfortunately, modern sun-tolerant coffee crops have caused an alarming decrease in tree cover around the world and contributed to rapid degradation of tropical ecosystems. Deforestation is one of the primary contributors to greenhouse gas emissions – so supporting and buying shade grown coffee are vitally important actions to take.

Shaded landscapes feature trees to help regulate climate conditions, slow ripening times, and enhance flavor of beans. Furthermore, this natural protection reduces irrigation needs while strengthening drought resistant properties of soils.

shade grown coffee boasts a much lower carbon footprint than its sungrown counterpart, thanks to climate regulation and carbon sequestration, reduced fertilizer needs and pesticide requirements, as well as decreased environmental damage caused by full sun coffee plants that require high quantities of chemicals that pollute the environment and harm human health.

Due to these positive environmental benefits, many farmers who cultivate shade-grown coffee also choose to grow other sustainable and wholesome crops, such as fruit, vegetables, medicinal and ritual plants and flowers – helping support local communities all year long and providing the potential to earn premium prices for their shade-grown coffee production.

Turnaround-wise, farmers can then use their income to purchase necessary products and invest in improvements for their coffee farm – investments which help ensure long-term sustainability of ecosystems that support future generations.

This coffee is produced at a small, family-owned and operated sustainable farm located in Siam’s mountainous region, where its beans come directly from their farmer. Certified Bird Friendly and Fair Trade by The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center. Exotic Bean coffee features an intense fruity aroma with notes of caramel, dark chocolate, and vanilla for an unforgettable flavor experience. Ripening under shade creates a rich cup with subtle chocolate and nut notes; often described as fuller and more complex than sun-grown counterparts. Flavour variations depend on each farm as each uses traditional methods and practices in its production of coffee – The Exotic Bean is proud to partner with farms who balance ecological responsibility with exceptional quality and taste!