Most coffee drinkers know the finished bean, not the tree. Charli and I wanted to explore what happens when coffee plants grow in a controlled environment. That question became part of Big Guns Coffee's indoor farm project.
Roots and water
In hydroponics, a managed system supplies water and nutrients to plant roots instead of relying on field soil. Coffee plants still need light, water, air, nutrients and time. A grower watches plant response and the root-zone conditions; equipment does not replace observation.
Light and climate
Indoor growers can monitor lighting, temperature and humidity. That control also brings equipment, energy and maintenance costs, so any improvement has to be measured against those inputs.
From flower to cup
A coffee plant must mature, flower and set fruit before there is a cherry to harvest. The seed then has to be processed, dried and roasted. The path is long. We are developing and testing the farm concept; the coffees currently offered in our online store include beans sourced from established growing regions. We do not describe every bag as indoor farm-grown.
We want to learn which conditions suit different varieties, how each harvest tastes, and what a practical farm costs to operate. We will share measured results as they become available.
While we work on the farm, you can explore our coffee collection and choose a roast for the way you brew at home.