Tanzania AA Mbeya Yenga Cooperative

[A Word from the Roaster]
A coffee marked by a floral aroma and a fresh, fruity character wrapped within a dark roast. Please enjoy its caramel-like bittersweetness.

[Origin Notes]
This coffee, produced by the Yenga Cooperative in the Mbozi district of the Mbeya municipal area in southern Tanzania, is a gem born of a rich natural environment and the skill of its farmers. Set between Lake Tanganyika to the north and Lake Malawi to the south, this water-rich area enjoys plentiful rainfall and a mild, distinctive climate (a microclimate: the small-scale conditions of temperature, humidity, sunlight, and more particular to a place), offering ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. The Yenga Cooperative began in 2003 with 64 farmers and has since grown to 193 members. The proportion of women among the farmers is rising, and there is a strong focus on sustainable farming practices.

The coffee grown here is chiefly Bourbon and Kent, raised in volcanic soil at an altitude of 1,660 meters. The harvested cherries are brought to the Yenga Cooperative's facilities and processed by the traditional washed (water process) method. In this process, the outer skin is removed using a Penagos mill, and the mucilage is removed over 12 to 24 hours in fermentation tanks. The mucilage is then further rinsed away in long channels, while density sorting is carried out at the same time. Finally, the beans are carefully sun-dried on African beds (mesh drying tables) until they reach a moisture content of 11 to 12 percent. This thorough process is what keeps the quality of the cooperative's coffee so remarkable.

As its focus on quality has grown, the Yenga Cooperative has achieved striking results in recent years. Most notably, at the 2019 AFCA (African Fine Coffees Association) competition it took first, second, and fourth place in the Tanzania category, bringing wide recognition to its quality. It also earned a high Q-grade score of 86.33 points. These achievements are the fruit of efforts to improve quality, such as upgrading milling equipment and drying grounds.

A floral aroma and fruity character wrapped in a dark roast, with a confident, sweet finish. Enjoy its rich flavor with your first cup of the morning or in a moment of ease.

Product Name Tanzania AA Mbeya Yenga Cooperative
Region Mbozi district, Mbeya municipal area, Tanzania
Altitude 1,660m
Producer Yenga Cooperative
Process Washed (water process)
Roast Level Full City roast