Shade Grown vs. Sun Grown Coffee: Why It Matters For Your Cup
When you’re sipping your morning coffee, you might not think about whether the beans were grown under the warm sun or beneath a leafy canopy. But the way coffee is grown plays a huge role in its flavor, quality, and impact on the planet.
At Camano Island Coffee Roasters, we choose shade grown coffee – and here’s why that matters.
What Is Sun Grown Coffee?
In the 1970s and 80s, many coffee farms switched to sun grown coffee in an effort to produce more beans, faster. Farmers cleared native trees and planted coffee plants in open fields under direct sunlight.
Pros:
● Higher yields in the short term
● Faster growing cycles
Cons
● Requires more chemical fertilizers and pesticides
● Leads to soil erosion and nutrient depletion
● Destroys bird habitats and biodiversity
● Can produce harsher, more bitter-tasting beans
What Is Shade Grown Coffee?
Shade grown coffee is cultivated under the natural canopy of taller trees. This method mimics coffee’s natural growing environment (coffee originally evolved as an understory plant in tropical forests).
Benefits:
● Better flavor: Beans mature more slowly, developing richer, more complex taste profiles.
● Healthier plants: Natural shade protects from extreme heat and pests, reducing the need for chemicals.
● Supports wildlife: Preserves habitats for birds, insects, and other species, maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
● Protects the soil: Tree cover prevents erosion, retains moisture, and enriches the soil with organic matter.
Why We Choose Shade-Grown
Every batch of Camano Island Coffee is shade grown and USDA Certified Organic. That means you’re getting coffee that’s not only delicious but also better for the environment, the farmers, and the future of coffee itself.
It takes more time and care to grow coffee this way – but we believe it’s worth it for:
● A smoother, more nuanced cup
● Healthier farming communities
● A planet that can keep growing coffee for generations to come
When you choose shade grown coffee, you’re doing more than enjoying a great cup – you’re supporting a sustainable, eco-friendly way of farming that benefits both people and the planet.
So next time you pour yourself a fresh brew, know that those beans were grown the way nature intended: in the shade, slow and steady, with care.