Green Coffee

Overview

Production

Country Production

Cultivation

What is Green Coffee?

Green coffee refers to unroasted coffee beans that are typically harvested from the Coffea plant. As the name suggests, green coffee beans are green in color and have a relatively mild flavor and aroma compared to roasted coffee beans. They are processed differently compared to roasted coffee beans, which results in a different chemical composition. Green coffee beans are typically rich in various natural compounds, including chlorogenic acid, which is believed to have several health benefits.

Green coffee beans are typically harvested and processed using different methods, depending on the region and culture. Some farmers harvest the beans by hand and then sun-dry them to remove the moisture. Others may use a wet process, which involves soaking the beans in water and then removing the outer layers. The resulting beans are then dried, sorted, and packed for export or domestic consumption. Regardless of the processing method, green coffee beans require careful handling and storage to preserve their quality and flavor.

Green coffee is used as a raw material for the production of roasted coffee. The roasting process changes the chemical composition of the beans and gives them the characteristic aroma and flavor that are associated with coffee. However, green coffee beans have gained popularity in recent years as a health supplement. They are believed to have several potential health benefits, including improving blood sugar control, reducing inflammation, and aiding weight loss. As such, green coffee supplements have become increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers.

Overall, green coffee is an important raw material for the coffee industry and a potential source of health benefits. While the taste and aroma of green coffee may be different from roasted coffee, it is a valuable commodity that requires careful handling and processing. Its unique chemical composition and potential health benefits make it an interesting area of research and development in the fields of nutrition and health.

Green Coffee Production in the World

The global production of Green Coffee plays a significant role in agriculture and trade. As of 2023, Brazil is the top producer, contributing 3,405,267 tonnes, which accounts for 30.78% of the total global production. Vietnam ranks second, producing 1,956,782 tonnes, representing 17.69% of the world's output. Other significant producers include Indonesia, Colombia, and Ethiopia, with production levels of 760,192, 680,858, and 559,400 tonnes, respectively. New Caledonia has the lowest production among the listed countries, contributing just 1 tonnes in 2023. In total, global production of Green Coffee reached approximately 11,064,203 tonnes in 2023.

Top 10 Countries by Green Coffee Production in 2023

Countries Ranked by Green Coffee Production in 2023

Source:FAOSTAT
Last Updated: 23 Jan 2025

Rank	Country	Production (Tonnes)	Acreage (Hectare)	Yield
1	Brazil	3,405,267	1,920,889	1,773
2	Vietnam	1,956,782	666,954	2,934
3	Indonesia	760,192	1,268,905	599
4	Colombia	680,858	841,354	809
5	Ethiopia	559,400	844,389	663
6	Honduras	384,361	317,142	1,212
7	Uganda	384,000	701,580	547
8	Peru	369,551	427,057	865
9	India	332,848	437,862	760
10	Central African Republic	316,108	783,944	403
11	Guatemala	225,327	260,890	864
12	Guinea	200,000	472,541	423
13	Mexico	194,916	654,693	298
14	Lao PDR	177,662	91,090	1,950
15	Nicaragua	143,337	148,393	966
16	China	108,000	31,161	3,466
17	Cote d'Ivoire	91,327	665,957	137
18	Costa Rica	78,822	93,697	841
19	Tanzania	62,917	244,438	257
20	Democratic Republic of the Congo	62,217	157,943	394
21	Venezuela	56,381	166,077	340
22	Madagascar	49,344	87,908	561
23	Kenya	48,700	111,900	435
24	Papua New Guinea	45,371	42,949	1,056
25	El Salvador	32,326	111,230	291
26	Yemen	30,291	39,928	759
27	Philippines	30,023	112,890	266
28	Rwanda	27,104	20,219	1,341
29	Cameroon	24,266	50,337	482
30	Bolivia	23,579	25,496	925
31	Dominican Republic	23,446	42,035	558
32	Togo	22,895	43,587	525
33	Angola	20,071	59,699	336
34	Thailand	16,575	32,674	507
35	Panama	12,760	28,306	451
36	Malawi	11,000	4,816	2,284
37	Burundi	9,900	10,835	914
38	Timor-Leste	9,168	24,723	371
39	Zambia	8,787	8,118	1,082
40	Myanmar	8,417	11,896	708
41	Jamaica	8,152	9,640	846
42	Cuba	6,000	18,044	333
43	Malaysia	5,996	3,025	1,982
44	Ecuador	5,584	22,373	250
45	Haiti	5,047	9,795	515
46	Sri Lanka	4,750	5,281	900
47	Equatorial Guinea	4,092	11,139	367
48	Sierra Leone	3,600	2,147	1,677
49	Republic of the Congo	3,238	10,518	308
50	United States	3,121	2,995	1,042
51	Nigeria	1,844	1,416	1,302
52	Puerto Rico	1,616	4,176	387
53	Taiwan	1,034	1,180	877
54	Mozambique	795	834	953
55	Trinidad and Tobago	771	5,269	146
56	Ghana	736	460	1,600
57	Zimbabwe	699	685	1,020
58	Liberia	625	2,656	235
59	Nepal	394	3,659	108
60	Cambodia	365	461	791
61	Dominica	361	407	887
62	Paraguay	267	201	1,331
63	St. Vincent and the Grenadines	185	556	333
64	Comoros	144	989	145
65	Guyana	133	164	810
66	Gabon	104	273	380
67	Belize	90	73	1,222
68	Benin	55	283	195
69	French Polynesia	22	97	226
70	Cabo Verde	17	75	229
71	Tonga	15	11	1,372
72	Fiji	14	22	638
73	Vanuatu	14	23	614
74	Samoa	12	40	298
75	Sao Tome and Principe	8	130	58
76	Suriname	6	280	20
77	New Caledonia	1	9	138

Cultivation of Green Coffee

The cultivation of green coffee involves a series of steps that are critical to producing high-quality beans.

Here are some key points on the cultivation of green coffee:

Climate and Soil Conditions: Coffee plants thrive in warm, humid climates with well-draining soil. They grow best in areas that receive between 1,000 and 2,000 millimeters of rainfall per year, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius. The soil should be well-draining and have a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5.
Seedling Production: Coffee plants are propagated from seeds. The seeds are typically soaked in water for 24 hours and then planted in a nursery. After 6 to 8 weeks, the seedlings are transplanted to the field.
Planting: Coffee plants are typically planted in rows with a spacing of 2.5 to 3 meters between them. They are usually intercropped with other crops such as bananas, plantains, or legumes to provide shade and improve soil fertility.
Harvesting: Coffee plants typically produce fruit once a year. The berries are harvested when they are fully ripe, which is indicated by their deep red color. Harvesting is typically done by hand, and the berries are either picked individually or stripped from the branches using a comb.
Processing: The harvested berries are processed to remove the pulp and outer layers. This is typically done using either a wet or dry method. In the wet method, the berries are soaked in water to remove the pulp. In the dry method, the berries are left to dry in the sun before being processed.
Sorting and Grading: After processing, the beans are sorted and graded based on their size, shape, and quality. This is important for ensuring consistency in the final product.
Storage and Transportation: Green coffee beans must be stored and transported carefully to preserve their quality. They are typically stored in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture and mold growth. During transportation, they are often packed in jute bags and shipped by sea or air to their final destination.

To produce premium coffee beans, meticulous care, and attention to detail are essential throughout the entire cultivation process of green coffee. Every stage, including seedling production, harvesting, processing, and storage, significantly influences the quality of the end product.

Health Benefits of Green Coffee

Green coffee has gained popularity in recent years as a potential health supplement due to its high levels of chlorogenic acid, which is believed to have several health benefits.

Here are some of the potential health benefits of green coffee:

Weight loss: Green coffee has been suggested to help with weight loss. This is due to the presence of chlorogenic acid, which may help reduce the absorption of carbohydrates in the gut and reduce blood glucose levels. Some studies have found that green coffee extract can help reduce body weight and body fat.
Improved blood sugar control: Chlorogenic acid may also have a beneficial effect on blood sugar control. It is believed to inhibit the absorption of glucose in the intestines and increase insulin sensitivity, which may help lower blood sugar levels.
Antioxidant properties: Green coffee is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. This may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Reduced inflammation: Some studies have suggested that chlorogenic acid may have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is thought to play a role in the development of chronic diseases, and reducing inflammation may help improve overall health.
Improved brain function: The caffeine in green coffee may help improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and reaction time.

Please bear in mind that additional research is required to gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential health advantages associated with green coffee, and it is crucial to recognize that green coffee supplements may not be appropriate for everyone. If you are contemplating the use of green coffee supplements, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider beforehand.

Nutritional Information of Green Coffee

Green coffee beans are typically roasted and brewed before consumption, so the nutrition content of green coffee per 100 grams may differ from that of brewed coffee.

Here is a general overview of the nutritional content of green coffee per 100 grams:

Calories: 203 kcal
Carbohydrates: 46.3 grams
Fiber: 7 grams
Protein: 12.6 grams
Fat: 0.7 grams
Calcium: 90 milligrams
Iron: 6.2 milligrams
Magnesium: 165 milligrams
Phosphorus: 339 milligrams
Potassium: 1,162 milligrams
Sodium: 21 milligrams
Zinc: 2.3 milligrams

It is important to note that the nutrition content of green coffee can vary depending on factors such as the variety of coffee beans, growing conditions, and processing methods. Additionally, the nutritional content of brewed coffee may differ from that of green coffee due to differences in preparation methods.

Types of Green Coffee

There are several types of green coffee, which can be differentiated by their origin, processing methods, and flavor profile.

Here are some of the most common types of green coffee:

Arabica: Arabica coffee is the most widely cultivated species of coffee and is known for its smooth, sweet flavor. It is grown in a variety of regions around the world, including Central and South America, Africa, and Asia.
Robusta: Robusta coffee is a hardier species of coffee that is easier to cultivate and has a stronger, more bitter flavor than Arabica coffee. It is grown primarily in Asia and Africa.
Liberica: Liberica coffee is a rare and unique species of coffee that is known for its large beans and fruity, floral flavor. It is primarily grown in Asia and Africa.
Processed: Green coffee can also be differentiated by the processing methods used to remove the outer layers of the coffee cherry. "Washed" green coffee is processed using water to remove the outer layers, while "natural" green coffee is dried with the fruit still intact.
Single-origin: Single-origin green coffee comes from a specific region or farm, and is known for its unique flavor profile that reflects the local growing conditions and processing methods.
Blends: Green coffee blends are a combination of beans from different regions or farms, and are often used to create a specific flavor profile or balance.

Overall, the type of green coffee chosen can have a significant impact on the flavor and quality of the final brewed coffee and can be selected based on personal preference or intended use.

Uses of Green Coffee

Green coffee can be used in a variety of ways, including as a dietary supplement, as an ingredient in cooking and baking, and as a base for specialty coffee drinks.

Here are some of the most common uses of green coffee:

Dietary supplement: Green coffee extract is often used as a dietary supplement for weight loss and other potential health benefits, due to its high levels of chlorogenic acid.
Roasting: Green coffee can be roasted to create the roasted coffee beans used for brewing coffee. The roasting process can significantly impact the flavor and aroma of the final brewed coffee.
Cooking and baking: Green coffee beans can be ground into a powder and used as an ingredient in cooking and baking. It is often used in desserts and sweets and can add a unique flavor profile to dishes.
Specialty coffee drinks: Some coffee shops and cafes use green coffee beans as a base for specialty coffee drinks, such as cold brew or nitro coffee.
Home brewing: Some coffee enthusiasts choose to roast their green coffee beans at home, using a variety of methods such as a popcorn maker or a dedicated coffee roaster.

Overall, the uses of green coffee are diverse and can be tailored to suit individual preferences and needs. However, it is important to note that green coffee supplements may not be suitable for everyone and that it is recommended to speak with a healthcare provider before taking any new dietary supplement.