Primarily known for the production of Peaberry lots, Tanzania has become synonymous with Peaberries. Peaberries are actually a genetic mutation of the coffee plant where a single smaller, rounder seed replaces the two flatter beans that normally are formed within the coffee cherry. Peaberries occur in about 5-12% of all coffee plants, regardless of origin or variety, though certain varieties and origins are known to produce more than others.

 

As it takes more time and resources to sort these mutations out, as well as the fact that they only occur in a small amount of coffee cherries, Peaberry lots are generally more scarce overall. However, in the case of Tanzania, who sees the bulk of their coffee produced going to Japanese roasters who prize bean size and uniformity and view the Peaberries as a defect, these Peaberry lots have etched out their own place in the west, where many swear by the Peaberries as having a more potent flavor due to the genetic mutation.

Aroma: nutmeg, almond
Flavor: candy-like sweetness, pomegranate, nutmeg, almond, cocoa
Acidity: tart
Body: thick, syrupy

Regional Info

Country: Tanzania
Altitude: 1200-1900 MASL
Varietals: Blue Mountain, Bourbon, Kilimanjaro, and Luwiro
Harvest: May-September
Production Method: Washed