Does coffee grow on trees? At Fish River Roasters HQ in Bathurst, we can confidently answer yes, and we have a thriving coffee tree to prove it! Despite Bathurst’s less-than-ideal climate for this tropical plant, our dedicated efforts have brought an almost miraculous success. This coffee tree, which is carefully moved indoors each night to protect it from the cold, has recently borne fruit for the first time in several years. Join us as we delve into the fascinating journey of coffee from tree to cup.
Our Tropical Coffee Tree Miracle
Growing a coffee tree in Bathurst is no small feat. Coffee trees thrive in humid, warm, frost-free climates - conditions that Bathurst typically lacks. Despite these challenges, our dedication has paid off. We roll our coffee tree indoors every night to shield it from the cold and bring it back out during the day to soak up the sunlight. We've lost several trees because they were left outside overnight. A greenhouse alone isn't sufficient to protect them from the chill.
Our meticulous care has yielded results, with our tree bearing fruit for the first time in years. Green pods have started to form, and they will soon turn yellow before ripening to a rich red. Though the yield won't be enough to brew even a single cup, it serves as a poignant reminder of the long, global journey that coffee undergoes - from a farmer’s care to your cup. This small triumph encapsulates the heart and soul of Fish River Roasters.