Our Coffees: Brazil - Monte Carmelo
Region Info: Cerrado Mineiro
Coffee was first cultivated in Cerrado Mineiro in the 1970's by farmers from Parana and Sao Paulo. Through a technique that corrects soil acidity (liming) and irrigation, large-scale cultivation has become possible. It has around 4,500 farmers cultivating a combined area of 210,000ha. The Cerrado Mineiro presents a dry climate during the harvest period, which causes the coffee to suffer less from humidity after harvesting, allowing for a consistent drying process. The region, which covers 55 municipalities in total, achieved the 'Denomination of Origin' in 2013 and was the first region in the country to recieve this recognition.
"Our family has been in the coffee-growing industry for generations, passing from great-grandmother to great- grandson, all within coffee cultivation. In times of crisis, it is important to add value to our product, so we have sought to constantly adapt and improve, both in cultivation and in post-harvest process. Our priority is to produce quality coffee while always taking care of the environment and the well-being of our employees." - Andreia Ribeiro Silva
History of coffee in Brazil
American colonists had been drinking coffee for fifty years before the first coffee seed was planted in Brazil in 1727. A hundred years later, Brazil accounted for 30% of the world’s coffee supply. A hundred years after that, in the 1920’s, Brazil held a virtual monopoly, producing 80% of the world’s coffee. Although Brazil’s market share peaked at 80% in the 1920’s, its continuing status as the world’s largest coffee producer still gives the country considerable influence on the market and coffee prices. It is said that when Brazil sneezes, the coffee world catches cold. In 1975, a “black frost” destroyed over 70 percent of the crop in Brazil and coffee prices doubled world-wide. Brazil was a founding member of the Pan-American Coffee Bureau, which invented the concept of a “coffee break,” during an advertising campaign in the early 1950’s.
Flavour Profile
"I chose use this wonderful, varied coffee in our medium roast 'Coastal Blend' and our light roast 'Peaks Blend' as it's a really good, versatile coffee that has hints of Chocolate & Hazelnuts which all lend themselves to being a great starting point in a blend."