What is Shade-Grown Coffee?

If you’ve ever visited Bali Beans plantation, you’ll notice that their coffee trees grow seemingly haphazardly across the terrain, among taller trees that provide shade. While this might seem like it would make harvesting more difficult, as Ayu explained to me, the benefits of growing coffee this way far outweigh the drawbacks.

Deforestation is one of the biggest environmental challenges we face today, and trying to meet the demand for one of the world’s most sought-after crops inevitably has an environmental impact. In fact, some studies estimate that for every cup of coffee consumed, nearly one square inch of rainforest has been destroyed.

So depending on how serious your coffee habit is, you can begin to visualize the effect your seemingly harmless habit has on the environment.

Organic vs. Shade-Grown Coffee

“But I only drink organic Fairtrade coffee!” you might argue. Surely you’re not responsible for the inch-by-inch rainforest destruction caused by less ethical coffee drinkers, right?

Not necessarily.

While organic farming practices do support shade-grown coffee, they don’t guarantee it. Organic certification mainly restricts the chemicals and pesticides used on the soil and plants themselves. Growing coffee under a natural canopy helps farmers implement organic practices because falling leaves provide natural fertilizer. Shade also suppresses weeds, reduces pathogen infections, and protects plants from frost, further minimizing the need for chemical intervention.

There are many environmental and ecosystem benefits of shade-grown coffee, making it a more sustainable choice. By demanding shade-grown coffee, you are encouraging farmers to adopt organic and environmentally responsible practices.

In contrast, Fairtrade certification does not inherently promote ethical or eco-friendly farming. Under pressure to maximize yields, farmers may still rely on non-organic practices.

Why Shade-Grown Coffee is Better for Consumers

Shade-grown coffee not only benefits the environment—it also tastes better. When coffee plants grow naturally in harmony with their environment, everyone wins. Arabica coffee performs best under 35–65% shade.

Flavor benefits:
Shade increases pollinator activity, resulting in better-quality cherries. Without harsh chemical fertilizers, the natural sugars in the beans develop fully, producing a richly aromatic cup. Conversely, coffee grown under full sun often grows unnaturally fast, resulting in higher acidity and a bitter taste.

Health benefits:
Organic, naturally grown coffee also enhances antioxidant properties. Drinking shade-grown, organic coffee reduces health risks:

• Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, boosting immunity and protecting against disease

• Free from pesticides and artificial fertilizers, supporting cognitive function, metabolism, and mood

• Moderate caffeine provides a natural energy boost

Coffee is rarely discussed as a healthful beverage. Conventional commodity coffee is one of the most chemically treated crops in the world, contributing to issues like anxiety, headaches, digestive discomfort, or insomnia. In contrast, specialty organic shade-grown coffee is a completely different experience.

The simple message: Don’t drink less coffee—drink better coffee!

Order Bali Beans organic, shade-grown coffee and taste the difference