WHERE COFFEE COMES FROM
Ever wondered what coffee and cherries have in common?
Believe it or not, coffee actually comes from the cherries that a coffee tree produces. Inside those cherries are green beans—which we know as coffee beans.
So yes, your cup of Starbucks® coffee starts with a little red fruit and ends with coffee beans bursting with flavour.
Little fruits with big potential, discover the magic of coffee cherries
From the outside a coffee cherry might seem ordinary, but inside lies something
extraordinary: the beginning of every
Starbucks® coffee you know and love. These little fruits grow on trees in tropical regions around the world, each one holding two green beans that will eventually be roasted into something magical.
It’s a reminder that even your most familiar rituals (like that first sip at home) start in the most unexpected places.
Ripe red cherries, handpicked at just the right moment.
Like all fruit, coffee has a season. When the cherries ripen into a bright red hue, it’s time to harvest them.
Inside each cherry you’ll find a pair of green beans—raw seeds that once roasted, give each cup its depth and character.
Not all green beans are the same though. They look different depending on where they’re grown, the type of coffee tree they come from, and how they are processed. But whether you prefer a medium roast, dark roast, or even blends, it all starts here.
Different methods. One goal: great-tasting coffee.
After the cherries are harvested, the next step is to 'process' them, which means removing the fruit to reveal the beans inside. There are a few ways to do this, each bringing its own character to the coffee.
In the washed method, the fruit is removed using water before the beans are dried. This creates clean, crisp flavours. The semi-washed approach leaves some of the fruit on during drying, resulting in a more balanced profile. And in natural processing, the whole cherry is dried intact, lending bold, fruity notes to the beans.
No matter the method, the goal is to uncover the raw, green beans and get them ready for the real magic— roasting.
Unlocking depth, aroma, and that Starbucks® flavour
Now comes the transformation. Before they become the best coffee beans for your home brew, the green beans undergo the roasting process – and this is where magic happens.
Each roast – from medium roast (think balanced) to dark roast (think bold) – unlocks flavour through what’s called the “Maillard reaction”. This chemical change gives coffee its caramelisation, complexity and crave-worthy aroma.
Not all whole beans are created equal. Factors like origin, elevation, tree type and even weather affect the final roast. That’s why Starbucks® roasts every coffee to highlight its individual taste profile – a careful blend of art and science.
Starbucks® coffee is sourced from three key regions, each offering unique flavours that shape its signature blends.
Latin America forms the foundation, known for its consistent quality and approachable flavours. Expect notes of nuts, cocoa, and soft spice — perfect for balanced, everyday brews.
Africa delivers vibrant, distinctive profiles with citrus and berry notes that bring a lively twist to your cup.
Whether you're grinding your own whole beans or brewing a store-bought favourite, knowing your coffee's backstory adds richness to every sip. Each cup is a tribute to the journey - from cherry to bean, to golden roast.
Asia/Pacific coffees are bold and full-bodied, with rich herbal and earthy notes — a reflection of the region’s diverse climates and landscapes.
