Shade grown coffee refers to coffee grown under natural tree canopies rather than being exposed directly to sunlight. This traditional cultivation method recreates its native environment for optimal slow and healthy growth of the coffee plants. Shade grown coffee farms rely on minimal or no chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides; in addition, these farmers reforest their land using native trees and plants that help control soil erosion. Reforestation contributes to reduced global warming and air pollution while providing habitat for migrating bird populations. Sun-grown coffee farming requires deforestation and use of chemical fertilizers; furthermore, more of our world’s water resources are utilized and pollution of soil and air is caused.

Shade-grown coffee not only offers environmental and economic advantages, but it also places greater focus on the health and quality of its beans – creating an extra-rich taste without harshness of sun-grown varieties.

Many consumers may be unaware that their choice of coffee can negatively impact the planet, making selecting shade grown, organic and fair trade certified varieties so important. By doing this, consumers are supporting efforts made by small-scale coffee farmers and their families in living sustainable lives while upholding cultural traditions and maintaining culture and traditions.

Shade-grown coffee offers more than ecological and environmental advantages; it simply produces superior cup of java. Studies have demonstrated that shaded environments allow coffee plants to mature more slowly, producing uniform-sized cherries at a steady pace that absorb more nutrients for fuller flavors with reduced acidity levels.

Shade provides protection for coffee plants against excessive sun exposure and drought conditions that could otherwise make their harvest bitter or dry. Furthermore, native plants that provide this shade create a more stable climate where coffee plants can flourish.

Rustic/Traditional Polyculture: Rustic and traditional polyculture involves growing coffee plants in accessible areas beneath a forest canopy. Other species of trees (fruit trees and other commercially valuable crops) may also be planted alongside to maintain biodiversity and soil health; commercial polyculture typically uses more fertilizers and chemicals than shaded monoculture.

As the popularity of shade-grown coffee continues to grow, so too do demands for specialty brew. But it is important to remember that this approach does not come cheap; farmers pay a premium price for shade grown coffee to support themselves and their communities. Therefore, when purchasing this specialty beverage it is vital that it comes from fair-trade certified sources which guarantee both premium prices and sustainable markets for small farmers; without this certification they would not have the resources or means to invest in sustainable practices or afford shade grown options at all.