Not every coffee tastes like one you can immediately categorize. Coffea Racemosa is one of those lots that feels completely different from the very first sip. Notes of coriander, cinnamon, eucalyptus, quince , and mandarin peel emerge in the cup , resulting in a profile that is distinctly spicy, herbal, and citrusy all at once. The flavor is very clean, light, and elegant, yet it offers an unusual complexity that constantly evolves as you drink it. Thanks to the washed processing method, the character of the variety itself shines through beautifully, and the coffee retains a clear structure and a long finish. Another interesting feature is its naturally low caffeine content .
This lot comes from the Elephant Coast Estate in the South African region of KwaZulu-Natal, Elephant Coast. It is a relatively atypical location for growing specialty coffee, as the farm lies at only about 250 meters above sea level. However, the Coffea Racemosa variety handles these conditions much better than standard Arabica. The plants produce very small fruits, and the harvest takes place for only about 6 weeks a year. Each tree yields around 100 g of coffee cherries, making this coffee one of the rarest in the world. Racemosa also offers an interesting glimpse into the future of more sustainable coffee cultivation in the era of climate change.
Processing is done using the classic washed method. The coffee cherries are first de-pulped and then fermented to remove any remaining mucilage. The beans are then thoroughly washed and dried on raised beds. The entire process is significantly more delicate with Racemosa, as the beans are much smaller than those of Arabica or Robusta. Therefore, very careful monitoring is required during drying to ensure the coffee retains its distinctive character and complex spicy notes.
- Farmer: Elephant Coast
- Altitude: 250 m a.s.l.
- Variety: Coffea Racemosa