Tanzania Mutwari AB Washed (green)

Description

Origin: Tanzania

Region: Mbeya

Province: Southern Highlands

Altitude: 1,600-1900 masl

Soil Type: Red Soil

Rainfall Average: 1900mm

Varieties: Red Bourbon

 In the cup: Orange, toffee, citrus acidity, juicy body, cocoa, raisin and almond. Tea-like.

Tanzania has only recently become recognised for its specialty coffees. With increasingly better infrastructure, access to washing stations and farmer organization, Tanzania is now consistently producing high-quality specialty-grade coffees.

The coffee production landscape of Tanzania is complex with huge distances between coffee growing areas and often very rugged terrain. 90% of coffee producers in Tanzania are from small-holder operating on farms between 0.5-3 hectares in size. Around half of the nation’s total volume is produced in southern regions of Mbeya, Mbozi and Mbinga.

Smallholder farmers who produce ‘Mutwari’ coffee are represented by self-organized producer groups. These groups have been assisted by our export partner, Tembo. Tembo works beyond the standard lending and purchasing relationship with producers and with over 5,000 farmers from 50 groups enrolled in an Agribusiness Training Program. These farmers are learning how to maximize their income potential by improving their yields and leveraging transparent business practices to secure fair payments and quality bonuses.

 ‘Mutwari’ lots are sourced from around the Mbeya region. Mebeya is nestled within the stunning Livingstone Mountain Range in the nations South. The area is characterised by rolling mountains, high altitude and rich volcanic soils that produce a vibrant flavour profile reminiscent of a Kenyan or washed Ethiopian. Historically, the large majority of coffee produced around the Mbeya has been home-washed due to the lack of washing stations, quality incentive, organisation and cooperation amongst producers.

Mutwari lots are essentially separated by cup score when coffees are delivered, processed and evaluated by Tembo. Tweega is the higher product tier, while Mutwari is a tier below with a few lower quality tiers below it.