Seasonal coffees
We often think of coffee as a product available year-round, as if it's frozen in time. Yet, coffee is first and foremost a fruit, with its own cycles of harvest, ripening, and freshness. Like fruits and vegetables, consuming seasonal coffee can transform your experience in the cup. Here's why it makes a real difference.
Coffee is a living agricultural product
Coffee grows in tropical climates, on plants that produce cherries once a year (sometimes twice a year depending on the region). Once picked, processed, and then roasted, the bean slowly begins to lose its aromatic qualities. Even when well stored, coffee is never eternal: over time, the aromas fade, the body diminishes, and the acidity flattens. Consuming coffee close to its harvest therefore allows you to fully enjoy its natural freshness.
When are the harvest seasons depending on the region?
Here is a simplified table to understand the seasonality of coffee according to the major production areas:
| Region | Main harvest period | Optimal availability |
|---|---|---|
| Central America | November to March | April to August |
| South America (Brazil, Colombia) | April to August | September to December |
| East Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya) | October to February | March to June |
| Asia (Indonesia, Vietnam) | May to October | November to February |
Note: 2 to 3 months should be added for processing, preparation, transportation and roasting.
The benefits of seasonal coffee
- More freshness: a recently harvested coffee roasted immediately afterwards better retains its complex aromatic compounds (organic acids, volatile oils, etc.)
- Sharper aromas: Seasonal coffees have a liveliness and clarity in the mouth that is difficult to find in older coffees
- Respect for the producer's work: by promoting seasonality, we also respect the natural cycles of coffee and those who cultivate it
- An ethical and qualitative gesture: choosing a seasonal coffee means supporting a more transparent model that is more respectful of quality agriculture.
How do you know if your coffee is in season?
- Look at the harvest date or roasting date (not just the expiration date)
- Choose roasters or brands that clearly state the origin, harvest and processing of the coffee.
- Beware of overly "generic" coffees that hide this information: they often come from older harvests or lower-quality blends.
Conclusion
Like a good fruit, the seasonality of coffee makes all the difference. More than just a trend, it's a true respect for the product, the producer... and your cup. A seasonal coffee is a living, vibrant coffee, telling a specific story at a given moment. It's up to you to savor it to the fullest.
And to get the best from each coffee, it is important to rinse your filters, find out why .
