Coffee grows as a fruit on trees in tropical regions, primarily within the Bean Belt between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.
The coffee you drink started as a cherry-like fruit on a Coffea plant. These plants thrive in specific conditions: high altitude, consistent rainfall, and temperatures between 60-70°F. Most commercial coffee comes from two species—Arabica and Robusta—each with distinct growing requirements and flavor profiles. Understanding how coffee is cultivated helps explain why origin matters so much to the final cup.