Ethiopia Konga
This Insight aims to source complex and fruit-driven coffees that go against tradition and don't taste like most coffees. We want to introduce a specific lot each month from the higher end of the speciality market from producers that are experimenting with their methods and processes. All these coffees will score at least 87 points and will be roasted light to bring out the natural characteristics of the bean. As with all our coffees they will be single-origin and sourced via direct trade.
More suited for filter brewing, but can be used as espresso with light roast parameters.
The Region
The kebele (village) of Konga is located in Yirgacheffe district, Gedeo zone, in the ‘Southern Nations, Nationalities & Peoples’ (SNNP) region of Ethiopia. Over a number of years the region has developed a distinguised reputation for fine coffees, producing some of the most sought-after microlots in world. The combination of high altitude (up to 2,200m in some areas), fertile soil, consistent and plentiful rains, and an abundance of local knowledge are all contributing factors to the high status of Yirgacheffe coffees.
The local indigenous ‘heirloom’ varietals - which grow wild in Ethiopia - are responsible for the unique flavour notes which make for an unusual but refined cup. When processed naturally through sun drying these present with juicy and jammy stone-fruit flavours, floral and chocolate notes with a creamy body.
The Process
In traditional Ethiopian specialty natural processing, cherries are spread in a thin layer over a raised bed and dried in indirect or direct sunlight. For supernatural, cherries spread in a thick layer on racks in a semi-permeable box, restricting access to sunlight while allowing limited airflow and oxygenation. This extends the overall drying time and increases the natural fermentation of the latent sugars in the cherries over the course of the drying period.
In order to ensure consistency, prevent over-fermentation, and avoid mould formation, it is essential that the conditions are strictly monitored throughout. Temperature, Brix and moisture readings are recorded periodically and small adjustments to airflow and ambient temperature are made accordingly.
Once the optimum moisture content has been reached (around 12.5%) the cherries are rested in a cool environment prior to secondary processing (hulling, grading, sorting, handpicking and bagging in Grainpro for export).