Mitad del Mundo Natural

Complex aromas of amaretto, grapefruit zest, and a hint of black pepper introduce this velvety cup. Notes of grapefruit and cherry pie are accompanied by pineapple acidity, with a finish of macadamia and lemon thyme.

Details

Producer: Caravela Dry Mill Farm: Smallholders Region: Loja Province Altitude: 1,600-2,100 MASL Varietal: Typica, Caturra, Bourbon Process: Natural Roast: Light-Medium Notes: Amaretto, Grapefruit, Cherry

The Story

Imported by our friends at Caravela Coffee:

"Mitad del Mundo, which translates to 'Middle of the World,' is a blend of coffees grown in Loja, Ecuador. Although Ecuador is a small country, its landscape varies from the Amazon jungle to the stunning Andean highlands where coffee is produced. Coffee in Ecuador symbolizes the hard work and individual achievements of smallholders, who have made coffee their primary source of income and a significant employment generator in many regions.

"The producers involved in Mitad del Mundo are not solely dedicated to coffee cultivation; they often supplement their income by raising cattle for milk and meat. While they draw on traditional knowledge inherited from their parents, these producers actively seek improvements, continually learning to enhance the quality of their coffee.

"Mindful of their environmental footprint, the producers adopt sustainable practices that protect local water sources and foster biodiversity on their farms. Each coffee farm is carefully shaded and managed within agroforestry systems, integrating crops such as guabos and porotillos that contribute to nitrogen fixation in the soil.

"The region’s tropical climate, characterized by humidity and the unique soil of the Andes, provides ideal conditions for specialty coffee production. The area typically experiences a dry climate, with rainfall concentrated between March and May. While coffee production occurs year-round, the peak harvest season falls between June and August. The coffee varieties cultivated in this area include Bourbon, Improved Typica, Caturra, and Sachimor, with most producers opting for the washed processing method."

Sourced from the Loja Province of Ecuador, the Mitad del Mundo Natural is a distinct offering from PT's Coffee Roasting. This lot features the Typica varietal, a plant historically significant for its role in the global spread of coffee cultivation. By utilizing a natural process, the producers at the Caravela Dry Mill allow the coffee cherry to dry intact around the bean, a method often associated with increased sweetness and complex, fruit-forward profiles.

In the cup, this coffee presents a sophisticated interplay of flavors, characterized by notes of amaretto, grapefruit, and cherry. While natural-processed coffees often exhibit heavier body and pronounced fruit acidity, the specific expression of these traits can vary significantly based on regional terroir and drying techniques. To better understand how these specific tasting notes align with broader sensory categories, enthusiasts may find it helpful to consult the flavor wheel for a deeper exploration of these aromatic profiles.