Coffee grows around the globe in the so-called coffee belt . It stretches north and south of the equator between the 25th parallel. While Brazil and Vietnam are among the largest coffee producers, the Robusta bean is primarily grown in these countries, which thrives best at lower altitudes of up to 700 meters. The Robusta plant, as the name suggests, is "robust" and therefore more resilient and easier to grow in monocultures. The more complex Arabica plant, which grows at altitudes between 1,000 and 2,000 meters, is found primarily on the steep mountain slopes of Colombia and Central America. These plants also grow in the highlands of East Africa, where the coffee plant originated. Many factors must interact to cultivate the coffee plant. The most important influencing factors are temperature, rainfall, weather influences, wind and sun. The quality of the soil is also essential. The timing of the harvest, the processing, and the final roasting method are also crucial for the taste of the coffee in your cup. It should be noted that few crops have such stringent environmental requirements.