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Coffee Harvesting: Manual or Mechanical, Which is Better?

IT DMK Cargo
Jul 29
2 min read

Every cup of coffee we enjoy is the result of a long process that begins with coffee beans still hanging on the tree. One important stage that is often overlooked is the harvesting method. Behind the enticing aroma and complex flavor lies two main methods of coffee harvesting: manual and mechanical. Both offer different approaches, each with their own advantages and challenges.

Manual Harvesting: Relying on Precision and Experience

Manual harvesting has long been the go-to method in many coffee-producing regions, including Indonesia. The process is done by hand, one by one, picking only the coffee cherries that are perfectly ripe. In the coffee world, this method is known as “selective picking” and is the key to the flavor of premium coffee.

With this approach, only the best beans are processed. It's no surprise that the final product has a cleaner, more complex, and consistent flavor profile. However, behind this quality lies the fact that manual harvesting requires more time and labor. Not all farmers can do this on a large scale, especially during peak harvest season.

Mechanical Harvesting: Fast and Massive, But Less Precise

Unlike manual harvesting, mechanical methods use machines to shake the branches or stems of coffee trees to make the beans fall. This method is commonly used in countries like Brazil, which have vast, flat landscapes. In terms of efficiency, mechanical harvesting is superior. One machine can harvest more than what dozens of workers can do in a day.

However, this speed comes with consequences. Machines cannot distinguish between ripe and unripe fruits. Everything falls and mixes together, so quality may decline if there is no strict sorting process afterward. Additionally, using machines is challenging in hilly areas, such as most coffee plantations in Indonesia.

Two Methods, One Goal

Ultimately, there is no single harvesting method that is inherently better. It all depends on production goals, geographical conditions, and the capacity of farmers or producers. For high-quality coffee, manual harvesting remains the go-to method. But to meet large-scale demand quickly, mechanical harvesting becomes a realistic choice.

What’s clear is that both play an important role in bringing coffee to our tables. From the villages on mountain slopes to the cups in your favorite coffee shop, every coffee bean has a story worth appreciating.