About Brazil Mantiqueira de Minas

Release Date: June 16, 2023

Our new Cupping Room Collection coffee, Brazil Mantiqueira de Minas, is a high-quality coffee that comes from the Sul de Minas region in Brazil. This region is located in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais and is known for producing some of the best specialty coffee in the country.

This coffee is grown by Producer Mair Hieda at Sitio Moinho de Ouro, a high-altitude mountainous area which provides ideal growing conditions for the coffee plants. The area's rich soil, ample rainfall, and moderate temperatures create a unique microclimate that is perfect for producing high-quality coffee beans with distinctive flavor profiles.

Mair Hieda grew up on a coffee farm in Parana, and left the area to study agronomy. Thirty years later, he moved to Minas Gerais with his wife to run the family farm. Mair has spent a lot of time learning about the many innovations in coffee production, and taking courses about the new specialty coffee techniques.

The beans are selectively hand harvested and carefully processed to ensure optimal flavor and quality. In addition to its excellent flavor, Brazil Mantiqueira de Minas coffee is also valued for its sustainability. Many coffee farms in the region use environmentally friendly farming practices, such as shade-grown and organic farming methods. These practices help to protect the local ecosystem and ensure the long-term viability of coffee farming in the area.

Red Catuai Variety

Red Catuai is a popular coffee varietal that originated in Brazil and is now grown in many other countries as well. It is a hybrid of Mundo Novo and Caturra coffee plants and is known for its excellent cup quality and adaptability to different growing conditions.

Red Catuai coffee plants typically produce medium-sized coffee cherries with a bright red color when ripe. The coffee beans themselves are medium-sized and oval-shaped, with a distinctive "humpback" appearance. When roasted, Red Catuai coffee beans produce a rich, full-bodied cup with a bright acidity and notes of fruit, caramel, and chocolate.

One of the reasons Red Catuai has become so popular with coffee growers is its adaptability to different growing conditions. It is a hardy plant that can withstand drought and disease, making it an attractive choice for farmers in areas with challenging growing conditions. At the same time, it is capable of producing high-quality coffee even in ideal growing conditions, making it a versatile choice for specialty coffee producers.

Red Catuai is grown primarily in Brazil, but it is also cultivated in other coffee-producing countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. In these countries, Red Catuai coffee is often blended with other varietals to create unique flavor profiles.

In terms of sustainability, Red Catuai is generally considered to be a relatively environmentally friendly coffee varietal. Its adaptability means that it can be grown using a range of different farming practices, including organic and shade-grown methods. Additionally, because it is a hybrid varietal, it is less susceptible to disease and pests than some other coffee plants, reducing the need for pesticides and other chemicals.

Natural Process

Natural process coffee, also known as dry process coffee, is a method of processing coffee beans that has been used for centuries in coffee-producing regions around the world. It is a simple and traditional method that involves drying the coffee cherries in the sun, allowing the beans to ferment and develop their characteristic flavor profile.

In the natural process, the coffee cherries are first harvested from the coffee plants. Instead of removing the fruit from the beans immediately, the cherries are laid out in the sun to dry, either on large patios or on raised beds. As the cherries dry, they release natural enzymes that cause the beans inside to ferment. This fermentation process imparts a unique and complex flavor profile to the coffee.

Once the cherries have dried and the fermentation process is complete, the beans are separated from the fruit using a hulling machine. The resulting coffee beans are then sorted, cleaned, and prepared for export.

Natural process coffee is known for its unique flavor profile and is highly valued by coffee enthusiasts around the world. Because the beans are left to ferment in their natural environment, they pick up distinctive flavors from the fruit and soil in which they were grown. This gives natural process coffee a rich, fruity taste that is quite different from the clean, smooth flavor of coffee that has been washed or semi-washed.

In addition to its unique flavor profile, natural process coffee is also valued for its sustainability. Because it is a simple and traditional method of processing coffee, it requires fewer resources and produces less waste than more modern processing methods. It is also often used in organic and shade-grown coffee farming, which are more environmentally friendly farming practices.

About Brazilian Coffee

Brazilian coffee is renowned around the world for its exceptional quality, unique flavor, and rich history. With over 2 million coffee farms and a production capacity of nearly 60 million bags of coffee beans each year, Brazil is one of the largest coffee-producing nations in the world.

Brazilian coffee has had a significant impact on the global coffee industry, both in terms of production and consumption. As one of the largest coffee-producing nations in the world, Brazil plays a critical role in meeting the global demand for coffee. In addition, Brazilian coffee has also influenced the way coffee is consumed around the world. The popularity of espresso, for example, can be traced back to Brazil, where it was first developed as a way to quickly brew and consume coffee.

Overall, Brazil Mantiqueira de Minas coffee is a high-quality and sustainable option for coffee lovers who appreciate the complex and nuanced flavors of specialty coffee. Its unique flavor profile and commitment to sustainability make it a valuable addition to the world of specialty coffee. This small lot Brazil Mantiqueira de Minas coffee is a true gem of Brazilian coffee - whether you're a coffee enthusiast or simply looking for a delicious cup of coffee, this new Cupping Room Collection offering definitely worth trying.

Tasting & Brewing

We recommend brewing the Brazil Mantiqueira de Minas with a Hario v60, Chemex or Inverted Aeropress (and encourage you to try your favorite brewing method). Download this printable brewguide.

This Brazilian coffee is also available wholesale. For inquiries, call 206-762-5300 or contact your wholesale representative.