Here’s our key take on why shade-grown is so important:
- Biodiversity preservation: Shade-grown coffee farms provide a habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. The trees attract birds, insects and other wildlife, promoting biodiversity and helping to preserve fragile ecosystems.
- Carbon sequestration: The shade trees act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change.
- Soil conservation: The tree canopy protects the soil from erosion and prevents nutrient runoff. Maintaining soil fertility in this way reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and promotes healthier soil for long-term coffee cultivation.
- Enhanced flavour profile: The slower growth of shade-grown coffee beans often results in a more complex and flavourful cup of coffee. As Joe experienced first-hand during his cupping sessions in India, the shade provides a more stable temperature and humidity, allowing the beans to develop unique characteristics and nuances.
Sophie Manson, PHD student at Oxford Brookes University and author of a recent study titled The Effect of shade on biodiversity within coffee farms, explains that “Weaving agriculture into conservation initiatives, through practices such as shade-grown coffee, will enable countries to reach biodiversity targets and maintain their rich cultural and ecological heritage.”
Sophie also cautions however, that “location is vital when considering shade cover. Studies in Latin America indicate that species diversity increases in farms with higher canopy cover, studies in Africa showed the opposite trend.”
As we develop and evolve our own Caffeine coffee brand, with beans sourced from around the world, we will take this kind of insight into account. Our aim is to provide-sustainably sourced, high-quality coffees with unique characteristics.
To find out more about our current coffee blends, or to arrange a sample for your business, please get in touch here.
