Farm to cup, all about our coffees

In late 2011 we expanded our space to take the next step in sourcing, preparing and serving the highest quality coffees. We are patiently learning the art of roasting with legendary coffee geeks. Stay tuned, this page is growing and we’ll have thorough details about our approach, process, sourcing relationships and coffees very soon. To start, here’s some basic detail about the coffees we’re now serving.

Name: El Pital
Origin: Colombia
Region: Pital (El Recreo, El Amparo, Minas)
Farm: Various small land holders
Altitude: 1700 msl
Process Method: Fully washed and sundried
Fermentation Time: 20 hrs
Drying Time: 85 hrs

Name: AB Karinga
Origin: Kenya
Region: Central Kenya, Gatundo District, Ndarugu; Division, Rwafura Location
Farm: Karinga, Gitwe Farmers Cooperative Society
Altitude: 1650 – 1800 msl
Process Method: Fully washed and sundried
Additional Info: Gitwe coop was registered in 1985 it was as result of a split from Gatundu society. Farmers in Gitwe planted their first coffee trees in I959. The coop has 2 wet mills: Karatu and Karinga. Karinga wet mill was constructed in 1984 and the coop is planning to put up a third wet mill. The wet mill is located within Rwafura location, Ndarugu Division, Gatundu District on the eastern slopes of Aberdare ranges.

The Coop is managed by an elected board of 9 members, each from one electoral area. Three of the board members are rotational. The Coop is headed by a Secretary Manager who oversees the day to day running of the Coop under the supervision of the board.

The Coop has 2 Wet mills with a total membership of 1,868 farmers.

Farmers selectively hand pick red ripe cherries that are delivered for wet milling the same day. The parchment is then fermented, washed and sun dried. Dry parchment is milled and bagged at Central kenya coffee mills and marketed by Coffee management services. The Coffee is then sold either through the Nairobi Central Auction or directly to overseas buyers.

Name: San Pedro La Laguna
Origin: Guatemala
Region: Atitlan
Farm: Various small producers
Altitude: 1500 – 1700 meters
Process Method: Washed
Additional Info: Ripe, red cherries are chosen for the San Pedro La Laguna coffee from small, independent growers located in the coffee growing regions along the west side of Lake Atitlan. The majority of the coffee is from a cooperative called Eliope, and the rest is from producers in the areas of San Isidro Chacaya, la Providencia, Cerro de Oro, and San Pedro la Laguna. The cherries are processed in a wet mill in Santiago, Atitlan.

Name: Edlina Microlot
Origin: Guatemala
Region: Agua Dulce, Huehuetenango
Farm: Finca Vista Hermosa
Altitude:
Process Method: Fully washed and patio dried.
Additional Info: Finca Vista Hermosa, is a legacy of three generations of coffee lovers who have poured their hearts into the rich land of Huehuetenango, Guatemala. Because it is situated in the highlands, Huehuetenango coffees are among the more coveted coffees of altitude from Guatemala. Our family plantation is located in Agua Dulce, Huehuetenango in northwest Guatemala. Finca Vista Hermosa is ecologically sound and healthy, a model for many shade grown and organic plantations.

The Martinez family is proud to offer you our award winning SHB (Strictly Hard Bean) coffee, unmatched in quality, tradition and commitment from the planting of our youngest coffee plants to shipping a well processed green to your door.

Take a virtual tour and learn more about Finca Vista Hermosa at http://fincavistahermosa.com/

Name: Mbeya Mshikamano
Origin: Tanzania
Region: Bara, Mbozi
Farm: 317 farming households
Altitude: 1500 – 1800 msl
Process Method: Fully washed. Dried on African beds.
Additional Notes: This farmer group is located in Bara village, Mbozi district and Mbeya region at about 1512 masl. It was founded in 2003. The aim of the group is to improve quality by processing their cherry on a CPU knowing that their coffee could receive a higher price in the market. Currently the group doesn’t work with other crops but they are expecting to expand their business into other crops especially food crops. This group is independent and doest work with any CSP. They give financing to farmers agronomic input in order to improve yields in their farms. They have approached Technoserve in order to receive support from the organization.