Coffee plantation worker picking ripe coffee cherries by hand

Rural worker hand-picking ripe coffee cherries on a Brazilian farm during the harvest season.

About this subject

Hand-picking coffee cherries is a traditional practice that still prevails in many regions of Brazil, especially in mountainous or uneven terrains where machines cannot operate. The rural worker, often called a picker, selects only ripe fruits, ensuring higher quality in the final product. Brazil, the world's largest coffee producer and exporter, harvests between May and September, varying by region. Coffee farming in Brazil employs about 8 million people directly or indirectly, and manual harvesting accounts for roughly 30% of national production, concentrated in states like Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, and São Paulo. Hand-picking allows for careful selection of beans, resulting in specialty coffees with high added value. Despite advances in mechanization, manual harvesting persists as a symbol of coffee culture and sustains thousands of rural families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is manual coffee harvesting still common in Brazil?

Manual harvesting is common in areas with rugged terrain or slopes where machines cannot operate. It also allows picking only ripe cherries, improving coffee quality.

What is the coffee harvest season in Brazil?

The coffee harvest in Brazil occurs between May and September, but it can vary by region and weather conditions. Manual picking is most intense during this period.

How much of Brazil's coffee production is hand-picked?

About 30% of Brazil's coffee production is hand-picked, especially in regions growing specialty coffees where quality is prioritized.