The Sidamo/Daterra Espresso Blend

Yes, this was Summer Espresso 2011, and it should be on in our range for the foreseeable future. The Daterra we are using here is slightly different, but hasn’t significantly impacted the flavour profile.

The Sidamo/Daterra Espresso Blend is a comprised of 50% Ethiopian Sidamo and 50% Brasil Daterra Estate, roasted to the sweetspot to optimize espresso extraction of flavor. This blend is balanced and sweet, with a delicate citrus note. The Ethiopia was chosen for an orange note we picked up in initial cupping, and as we trialled espresso roast profiles for the Sidamo, our focus was on retaining that orange note in the cup. The Daterra proved to be the best Brasil to balance the blend, its sweetness and medium body rounding out the Sidamo.

Please note this blend is Rainforest Alliance certified. See www.rainforest-alliance.org for more information.

ORIGINS AND ESTATES IN THE BLEND

Brasil Daterra Estate … An amazingly sweet smooth and rich naturally processed bean. Bittersweet characteristics combine with an inherent nuttiness. Daterra Estate is famous for its research and sustainable business practices, and produces Rainforest Alliance certified coffees. Their farms are located in the states of Sao Paolo and Minas Gerais. There’s plenty more information at www.daterracoffee.com.br

Ethiopian Sidamo from the Oromia Co-op … Ethiopia is known as the birthplace of coffee, where coffee trees grow wild and the abundant plantations flourish under ideal growing conditions. Sidamo, a province in Southern Ethiopia, named after the ethnic group the Sidama, is also the name given to a type of bean grown exclusively in this area. Coffee production is the main economic activity in the region, where traditional methods of cultivation and processing are still in practice. The unwashed or “natural” process method is usually used, as with the Oromia, resulting in a sweet bean. The species of coffee is always Arabica, the varietals are native/indigenous or “heirloom” and the DNA legacy is slowly being understood by researchers, which is revealing a vast range of varietals which need to be conserved for the future. Sidamo coffee is enjoyed for its lemon and citrus taste in the cup, and bright acidity. You can also expect deep spice notes, chocolate, with wine-like and floral aromas.