House Roast: Sul Minas Natural-Process AAA (Brazil). NEW!

These coffee beans were processed using the "natural" sun-dried method at Fazenda Grupo BSC in the well-known Sul Minas region of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. As usual, we bought this coffee directly from the farm in Brazil. Nelson and Eleni visited the farm in July of 2011, and again in January 2013, cupped many samples, discussed coffee production with farm management, and met with workers and their families while walking the coffee plantation.

The "natural" process is the most common in Brazil, and makes these coffee beans popular for espresso blends because of their earthy, floral flavors and rich crema. In the natural process, coffee cherries are harvested and dried directly under the full sun in large concrete patios or mechanical dryers. Neither the skin nor the coffee cherry pulp (mucilage) are removed by means of water or fermentation. The coffee cherries dry and ferment like raisins, developing a characteristic flavor and aroma. The drying is done over a 7-10 day period, until 11% moisture content is reached. After drying, the coffee is kept in wooden silos at the farm's warehouse for resting (reposo).

Explore the Sul Minas in Brazil yourself, below: