Timor Leste Coffee - Hatuhei Cooperative
Our Timor Leste single origin Arabica coffee is a smooth coffee with a low acidity and a pleasing finish. It has sweet notes and aromas of treacle and soft fruits. From the Letefoho region of East Timor this coffee is grown by the 23 farmers who make up the Hatuhei Cooperative at an altitude of 1500 to 1600 MASL. It is a fully washed and sun dried coffee from the varietals, Typica and Timor Hybrid.
More suited to immersion style brewing of either Dripper, Aeropress, Cafetiere but can also give a good espresso.
Our new 2024 crop was given a cupping score of 86 making this an 'excellent specialty coffee'.
We buy our Timor Leste coffee from Kar-Yee and Stuart at Karst Organics - a company dedicated to directly exporting and importing specialty Arabica coffee beans from Timor-Leste, with a strong focus on supporting local farmers. Their mission is to foster relationships between coffee farmers in Timor-Leste and speciality roasters, minimising the distance in the supply chain. They prioritise direct connections and sustainability throughout their operations.
About Timor Leste coffee
Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor, is a small country located in Southeast Asia, known for its unique and flavourful coffee. Coffee production is one of the primary agricultural activities in Timor-Leste and has significant cultural and economic importance to the country.
This is a country struggling to develop the coffee industry after years of neglect due to the fight for independence. Timorese coffee is truly wild and organically grown underneath the imposing shade trees that dominate the landscape. With time old traditions in processing coffee, passed on from generation to generation, coffee is helping to build up more opportunities for Timorese people to create a consistent and sustainable income from which to support and provide for their families and the local community.
Key aspects of Timor-Leste coffee:
History
Coffee cultivation in Timor-Leste dates back to the colonial era when the Portuguese introduced coffee plants to the island in the 18th century. The coffee industry experienced fluctuations due to political instability and conflicts, particularly during the Indonesian occupation from 1975 to 1999. However, since gaining independence in 2002, Timor-Leste has been working to revitalize and expand its coffee sector.
Arabica Varieties
Timor-Leste primarily grows Arabica coffee, which is known for its superior quality and distinct flavour profiles. The country's coffee is often characterized by its full-bodied taste, with earthy, spicy, and sometimes slightly fruity notes. The unique terroir of Timor-Leste, with its volcanic soils and high altitudes, contributes to the coffee's exceptional quality.
Organic and Shade-Grown
Much of Timor-Leste's coffee is cultivated using traditional, environmentally sustainable methods. Many farmers practice shade-grown coffee cultivation, where coffee plants are grown under the canopy of taller trees. This method helps protect the coffee plants from direct sunlight, preserves soil health, and provides habitat for diverse flora and fauna.
Cooperatives and Smallholder Farmers
Coffee production in Timor-Leste is largely driven by smallholder farmers who belong to cooperatives or community-based organisations. These cooperatives play a crucial role in organising farmers, providing technical assistance, and facilitating access to markets. By working together, farmers can collectively improve their bargaining power and negotiate better prices for their coffee.
Fair Trade and Specialty Coffee
Timor-Leste's coffee industry has seen a growing emphasis on fair trade and specialty coffee production. Fair trade certification ensures that farmers receive fair prices for their coffee and promotes sustainable farming practices. Additionally, Timor-Leste's specialty coffee sector has gained recognition in international markets for its high quality and unique flavour profiles, attracting coffee enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
Challenges
Despite its potential, Timor-Leste's coffee industry faces various challenges, including limited infrastructure, lack of access to financing, and vulnerability to climate change. Addressing these challenges requires investment in infrastructure development, extension services, and climate-smart agricultural practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of the coffee sector.
Timor-Leste's coffee industry is an essential component of the country's economy and cultural heritage, offering a distinct and flavourful brew appreciated by coffee lovers worldwide.
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