| Picking Coffee berries are most commonly picked by hand by labourers who receive
payment by the basketful. As of 2003, payment per basket is between US$2.00 to
$0.10 with the overwhelming majority of the labourers receiving payment at the
lower end. An experienced coffee picker can collect up to 6-7 baskets a day.
Depending on the grower, coffee pickers are sometimes specifically instructed to
not pick green coffee berries since the seeds in the berries are not fully
formed or mature. This discernment typically only occurs with growers who
harvest for higher end/specialty coffee where the pickers are paid better for
their labour.
Mixes of green and red berries, or just green berries, are used to produce
cheaper mass consumer coffee beans, which are characterized by a displeasurable
bitter/astringent flavour and a sharp greenish odour. Red berries, with its
higher aromatic oil and lower organic acid content are more fragrant, smooth,
and mellow. As such coffee picking is one of the most important stages in coffee
production, and is the chief determinant for the quality of the end product. |
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