Description
HISTORY OF MBEYA
Mbeya is one of Tanzania’s administrative regions and is known as the country’s breadbasket. Coffee is the main cash crop in the region and is often intercropped with bananas.
The Usongwe cooperative was registered in 1993 and takes its name from the surrounding area and the nearby Usongwe Valley. Shiviwaka was established in 2007 and is a union of coffee farmer groups from four districts in Southern Tanzania. The group initially formed as a means of reducing costs, combining marketing efforts and managing quality control. The board members of the organization are made up of member farmers from each of the farmer groups, and decisions are made based on a majority voting system.
Shiviwaka means “Shirikisho la vikundi vya wakulima wa kahawa.” Or, in English, “The Association of Coffee farmers in Tanzania.” The organization promotes transparency and diversity among its members.
GEOGRAPHY
The Mbeya region is one of the coolest areas in Tanzania. Temperatures can drop to single figures (Celsius), mainly due to the altitude of the region, which extends to over 2,200 meters above sea level. The region receives its annual rainfall from October through March and then has an extended dry season. The deep, red volcanic soils in the region provide an excellent foundation for coffee production.
SPECS:
GEOGRAPHY
Region: Mbeya, Tanzania
Altitude: 1400-1600 MASL
PRODUCER
This coffee is a blend of coffees from the Usongewe cooperative, which has approximately 520 members; and the Shiviwaka cooperative, which has approximately 250 members.
VARIETY
Bourbon, Kent
PROCESSING
All the coffee is washed and sun dried on raised African drying beds. The Shiviwaka Cooperative uses a water-saving Penagos 1500
HARVEST TIME
May – October 2017
NOTES:
FLAVOR Apricot, lemon-lime, black tea
BODY Juicy
AROMA Oranges, lemons
ACIDITY Bright
ROAST LEVEL
Light/Medium – City +
CUPPING SCORE
85.5
amy krause (verified owner) –
This is a can’t miss, get it while you can!
While I have never had a coffee I didn’t love from Modest; Peru – Cafe Capili is my new fav! The aroma just opening the bag was enough to win me over but the brew ( pour over) was the clincher. Thank you for your superb roasts!