Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide. While it helps us start the day energized, many people wonder how coffee is grown and whether it can be cultivated in Turkey. In this article, we’ll explore how the coffee plant grows, its ideal conditions, and the possibilities of coffee farming in Turkey.
What Is the Coffee Plant?
The coffee plant belongs to the Coffea genus and is typically grown in tropical climates. The two most common species of coffee grown around the world are:
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Coffea Arabica (Arabica coffee)
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Coffea Canephora (Robusta coffee)
These two types make up the majority of global coffee production. Arabica is known for its smooth and aromatic flavor, while Robusta has a stronger, more bitter taste and higher caffeine content.
How Is Coffee Grown?
1. Climate Requirements
Coffee plants thrive in warm, humid regions with plenty of rainfall. The ideal growing conditions include:
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Average temperatures: 18°C – 24°C for Arabica, 24°C – 30°C for Robusta
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Annual rainfall: 1,200 – 2,000 mm
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No frost or freezing temperatures
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Partly shaded, well-drained soil
Coffee is generally grown in the “coffee belt,” a region between the 23° North and 25° South latitudes near the equator.
2. Soil and Cultivation
Coffee trees prefer acidic, volcanic, nutrient-rich soil. After planting, it typically takes 3 to 4 years for the tree to produce fruit (coffee cherries). Once ripe, the cherries are harvested, fermented, dried, and the beans are extracted.
Can Coffee Trees Grow in Turkey?
1. Is Turkey’s Climate Suitable for Coffee?
Most parts of Turkey have a climate that presents challenges for growing coffee, especially because of cold winters and frost. However, some microclimates in the Mediterranean and Aegean coastal regions may provide suitable conditions for coffee cultivation.
2. Coffee-Growing Regions in Turkey
In recent years, experimental coffee farming has been conducted in Mersin, Anamur, and surrounding areas. These regions offer mild year-round temperatures and higher humidity, which may support small-scale coffee cultivation.
Interesting Note:
In 2021, Turkey harvested its first locally grown coffee in Mersin. This breakthrough created hope for the future of coffee production in the country.
Is Coffee Farming Possible in Turkey?
Thanks to global climate shifts and modern agricultural techniques, limited coffee farming in Turkey has become possible in specific regions. However, production is not yet widespread or commercialized. Increased local coffee farming could offer fresher and more sustainable options for coffee lovers in the future.
Conclusion: Can Coffee Grow in Turkey?
To sum up, coffee is a tropical plant that naturally thrives outside Turkey’s typical climate zones. Still, under controlled conditions and in specific regions, small-scale coffee farming is possible. While still in its early stages, the future of Turkish-grown coffee looks promising.
Coffee beans come from the fruit of the coffee tree, known as a coffee cherry.
Experimental growers in Turkey usually prefer Coffea Arabica.
Yes, if proper lighting, temperature, and humidity are maintained, a coffee tree can be grown in a pot. However, it may be difficult to produce fruit.
