Mexico Innovation Extended Fermentation with Yeast (2021)
| Bag Weight | 69 KG BAG |
|---|---|
| Harvest Season | 2020/21 |
| Status | Spot |
| Lot Number | P8001344-1 |
About This Coffee
The Region
Huatusco is located in the central highlands of Veracruz where breathtaking mountain views are the norm. When coffee first came to Mexico from the Caribbean, it was planted in Veracruz. The combination of cool, high altitudes and a verdant subtropical climate are ideal for growing coffee.
Coffee production is among the most important activities in the region, with a long history that includes a festival at the conclusion of harvest known as La Viuda Del Café, “Coffee’s Widow,” named for the loneliness of the coffee plants following harvest. It is said that the coffee plants are in mourning until “courted” again during the next harvest. The celebrants wear crowns made from the leaves of coffee plants and prepare traditional foods. Tradition holds that the festival must take place to ensure a good harvest the following year.
The Process
The transformation of coffee cherry to a green coffee bean is a complex biotechnological process. The process involves fermentation where microorganisms (yeast, bacteria and fungi) use the mucilage in the coffee cherry digest the carbohydrates and produce complex metabolites. These metabolites when roasted provide the wonderful coffee aroma and the taste to the cup of coffee.
While fermentation is a very dynamic process there are some elements that are in our control. Elements like time, temperature, and cherry ripeness are the basics. Fermentation is done by two pathways in Olam Innovation. The first is to use the indigenous microorganisms which are naturally present much like is used in Natural Wine production. The second pathway is by introducing a specific starter culture which will enhance the production of favourable volatiles (flavour elements).
For this special lot the first path was followed using indigenous microorganisms found in the coffee. The first step when doing this process is the rigorous cleaning of the fermentation tanks to start with a clean environment. The cherries from the Zili and Sampiere family are delivered the coffee to the Olam Cherry Mill and depulped.
The natural yeasts, bacteria and fungi that come in with the cherry are the protagonists in this fermentation. Some could consider this to be the best representation of the environment. This specific fermentation runs for about three times longer than the normal fermentation time. We are constantly monitoring the pH, and temperature of this lot to make sure it is on track. Lastly when the time has come, we wash the coffee and dry it to 11% moisture.
A few of the exciting takeaways from this experience. The coffee through this extended fermentation process increased the cup score almost 3 points on the SCA scale. We also measured the aroma fingerprint of theses coffees and they were significantly different from the normal coffee processed in the cherry mill. For this lot the coffee is incredibly sweet but not quite as complex as the coffee with starter culture.
- Subregion Huatusco, Veracruz, México
- Producer Type Small Holder Farmers
- Processing Washed
- Processing Description Washed with extended fermentation including added yeast starter culture
- Bag Types Grain Pro / Ecotact
- Plant Species Arabica
- Variety Colombia, Costa Rica
- On Sale Yes
- Top Lot No
- Price Per Kg £5.75
- Status Spot
- Coffee Grade MEX CA WA SHG
- CTRM Contract Number P8001344-1
- Origin Mexico
- Warehouse Vollers Group Uk