Shade-Grown Coffee: A Peek into the World of Eco-Friendly and Sustainability

Coffee holds huge importance in our lives. And it's always been a hot topic, whether it's over a cup of coffee or in the news. Whether you drink home-brewed filters or get a caffeine kick from a tin of Instant coffee, you can't deny its influence on our everyday lives. But we are here not to discuss coffee, but dig deep into the roots of how the coffee has been seeded, grown and harvested in such a way that is both eco-friendly and free of chemical preservatives. Yes, we are talking about Shade-grown coffee. 

But have you ever wondered what is shade-grown coffee?

Shade Grown Coffee

By definition, Shade-grown coffee is a type of crop produced from coffee plants grown under a canopy of trees. The trees in the dense forest act as a shield of shade for these coffee crops, not only protecting them from direct sunlight but also replanting the soil with their fallen leaves to preserve moisture in the soil. This also provides shelter for many birds, making this cultivation a bird-friendly place. With their continuous foraging, these birds provide natural insect management, making it a sustainable practice that needs little to no artificial fertilisers, pesticides, or herbicides.


Categories of Shade-grown coffee method

  1. Rustic: Only a small percentage of the native plants are eliminated when this method is implemented. With minimum management and no use of non-natural pest control, it is the least damaging way of coffee growing.
  2. Traditional polyculture: This technique is based on purposely growing coffee and other crops beneath native shade trees and other animals. It requires more alteration and removal of native species than the rustic approach, but it offers farmers both coffee beans to sell and additional crops (fruit, vegetables, medicinal herbs, and so on) to use at home or sell at markets.
  3. Commercial polyculture: Commercial polyculture is similar to traditional polyculture in terms of the range of crops grown (both coffee and other valuable plants), but it differs in that it eliminates foliage to make way for the coffee crops. The canopy and the coffee are the only layers of vegetation in this type of shade-grown coffee, which usually contains some fertilisers and pesticides.
  4. Shaded monoculture: Coffee plantations are planted more densely and tended more closely in a shaded monoculture. Only one or two species of trees, which are pruned regularly, offer shade for the crops. In this category, the native vegetation has primarily been eliminated to make place for the coffee harvests.

Sun grown vs shade grown

Sungrown

Shade-grown

Grows faster

Grows slower

Since the crops are under direct sunlight, they lose their moisture easily wanting more need of water for it

Need less water

Use of pesticides

Little to no use of pesticide

Support Less biodiversity

Provides more diversity to plants



Benefits of Shade-Grown Coffee 

-Unlike sun-grown coffee, shade-grown coffee causes the coffee bean to develop more slowly, resulting in a more flavourful cup.

-The shade-grown approach is important for producing an environmentally pleasant farming environment. 

-This method reduces deforestation by leaving the trees standing, which helps to maintain the atmospheric equilibrium.

-A habitat for a wide range of living organisms, including birds, reptiles, ants, butterflies, and other insects.

Conclusion

Finally, shade-grown coffee provides the best of both worlds to its customers: high-quality organic coffee at an affordable price. It enables small farmers to support their families while also preserving biodiversity in an environmentally friendly manner. Coffee produced in the shade is gradually becoming one of the most preferred methods of production. So, if you want to make a positive impact on the environment, consider using a sustainable way. Coffee grown in the shade is the finest option, and we offer some of the greatest coffee available, sourced directly from the hills of Palani. The Leo estate single-origin coffee is made from 100 per cent pure arabica beans grown in the shadow of trees, giving it a sweet and gentle flavour. This blend is ideal for folks who appreciate good quality and a great story.