Coffee Spotlight: From Seed to Sapling
Coffee has a journey that begins long before it reaches your cup, and a journey with centuries of ancestral knowledge. Central to this journey is the meticulous process of seed selection and planting, where each step is crucial in nurturing the future harvests while caring for the land. It’s a process that Bio-Arcoíris takes seriously. Let’s dig in!
Early Days
Coffee plants belong to the genus *Coffea*, with several species cultivated for commercial purposes. The two most prominent species are *Coffea arabica* and *Coffea canephora* (commonly known as Robusta). Arabica is prized for its complex flavors and is grown at higher altitudes, while Robusta is hardier and often used in blends or for instant coffee production. Bio-Arcoíris only utilices Arabica beans.
Bio-Arcoíris’ producers rely on the knowledge of Indigenous landkeepers that have come before them to guide the process of seed selection and nurturing. The beans for seeds are selected from plants that have matured at least three years and showed strong characteristics. After careful hand de-pulping, gentle washing and drying so as to not hurt the embryos, the seeds are planted in a mixture of soil and sand. Careful monitoring of temperature and humidity levels are essential during this stage to ensure healthy seedling development, as well as the use of natural methods to ward off infection or other early “sickness.”
Planting in the Ideal Location
Coffee plants thrive in tropical and subtropical climates, like the Yungas region where Bio-Arcoíris is located. Factors such as altitude, rainfall, soil type, and sunlight exposure are carefully considered to ensure the best conditions for healthy growth and quality yield.
Once the healthily-developed seedlings have reached what producers refer to as their “butterfly” or “mariposita” stage after 50-60 days, they are moved to pots for further maturation. A few months later, they are ready for transplantation to the field. The planting process involves digging holes spaced appropriately to allow for optimal growth and airflow between plants.
Bio-Arcoíris is forever grateful to the knowledge of landkeepers over many generations that have allowed the region cooperative members live on and continue to care for, while producing the beans you get to enjoy around the world.
Stay tuned for the next blog to learn more about how our team continues to care for the plants as they grow the coffee you love.