During which time of year are coffee beans harvested?

Coffee beans are primarily harvested during the fall season, which aligns with the coffee plant's growth cycle. Coffee plants generally flower in the spring, and the cherries that develop from these flowers take several months to mature. In regions where coffee is cultivated, such as Central and South America, as well as parts of Africa and Asia, the harvest typically occurs in the months of September to February, depending on the specific climate and variety of coffee plant.

This fall harvest season allows the cherries, which are the fruit containing the coffee beans, to reach optimal ripeness. Proper timing in harvesting is crucial, as harvesting too early can lead to underdeveloped beans, while waiting too long can cause overripening and spoilage. Other seasons like spring, summer, and winter do not align with the natural flowering, growth, and maturation cycle of the coffee plant, making fall the definitive season for harvesting coffee beans.