Intro
Coffee is a delicious, fragrant and invigorating drink. Your trip to a coffee farm will be great! There are several things to consider before you start planning your visit. This is important because if you don’t plan your visit adequately, it will not be as enjoyable as it should be. Planning will help prevent any unpleasant surprises.
Why visit a coffee farm?
Visiting a coffee farm can be a wonderful experience! These experiences provide an opportunity to learn all about the history of coffee, as well as how it is grown, picked, and processed.
If you love coffee and want to meet the people who grow it, visit a coffee farm. From harvesting to drying, there are ranges of activities to enjoy and gain insight into the process of producing your daily cup.
Most coffee farms have a set time for visitors and it is important to check with the owner first on the days that are open for visitors. Another fantastic choice would be a guided tour but this can be expensive. Many farms offer catered meals including transportation, accommodation, and activities but again this can get costly so ask to see these costs up front before booking.
If you want to visit to the farms where your favorite beverage comes from, here are five reasons why you should.
It will be an unforgettable experience. You will know the country’s culture, will learn about the whole process , get to know the farmers
You will have a better understanding or an authentic view of your coffee , about farmers’ life, you will have a better connection to the nature and wild life.
What to look for in a coffee farming process?
It is amazing see the farming process. How the seeds are planted, then germinate and grow into coffee plants. The seeds are normally planted in large shaded beds. After sprouting, the young seedlings are left to grow for a few days before moving them to individual pots with carefully formulated soils for optimal growth.
Depending on the variety, it will take approximately 3 to 4 years for the newly planted coffee trees to bear fruit.
After that the fruit or the cherry, turns a bright, deep red when it is ripe and ready to be harvested. There is typically one major harvest a year depending on the region / country.
After the harvest it is time to process the coffee. There are techniques used for processing the coffee: the dry, or “natural,” process, the wet (and washed) process, and a hybrid process called the semi-washed, or “pulped natural,” method. Regardless, the coffee resulting from these processes is called green coffee, which is then ready for roasting. After roasting, it is the grinding process. Afterward, it is brewed and you can enjoy your cup.
Tips for your visit:
First and foremost, know your goals. Know why you are visiting that farm.
Farmers are genuine and nice people. Generally, they will respond to all your questions if there is not language barrier. If that is the case try to get a translator.=> Besides, ask the most questions you can.
You are going to a farm. Therefore dress accordingly and wear appropriate shoes. Most farms are on altitude => It will certainly be cold.
although this may be true, farmers are nice people but please respect them and their culture. Last but not least if you can support them it will be greatly appreciated.
Colombian’s coffee tours:
How to support coffee farmers?
We all know a little goes a long way.
Specifically, pests, diseases, and fungi are an everpresent coffee production challenge. Basically, pesticides are needed.
Coffee is one of the most widely traded tropical agricultural products and is mainly produced by smallholder farmers. Consequently, many of them however are unable to earn a reliable living from the coffee they produce. Must farmers are not fairly paid. (we strive at Elna to do the right thing)
If you visit their farm, make sure to buy from them.
Another important point is to participate in lowering carbon emissions in coffee production as it is crucial for the sector’s long-term sustainability. It can help farmers build a competitive advantage too.
Conclusion
Planning or Visiting a coffee farm must be a great experience. Plan it well, be involve, and learn about the farm, the farmers, the culture, the coffee. If you keep your eyes and ears open, you might encounter other opportunities
Let us know which What farm are you planning? May be we can assist.
