Brasilien Engenho Natural Espresso

Fazenda do Engenho is owned by José Ronaldo Junqueira Dias and his children, after being passed down for three generations. Engenho Farm is located in Carmo de Minas, in a micro-region in the south of the state of Minas Gerais. This micro-region is known for its favorable natural conditions, such as the cooling effect of the mountains and the excellent rainfall, which is well distributed throughout the year, making it possible to produce very high quality coffee.

This micro lot has been processed using what the producer calls the natural fermentation process, which means that the coffee berries are fermented after picking together with a natural yeast, created from the coffee berries' own fruit sugar. The fermentation gives the coffee an extra sweetness and complexity, creating a balanced espresso with tropical notes. 

This coffee is processed by The Natural Fermented Process. This starts way before the process itself, it demands cherries at their peak of maturation. Alongside the traditional evaluation of ripeness by the cherries’ color or even by chewing them, the level of soluble sugar content is measured (target: 22-24 ºBrix). When cherries are delivered to the wet mill to be processed, they are cleaned to remove any juice excretion or dust, but they are not pulped. Then, they’re carefully placed inside the tank containing a natural yeast starter culture called ‘Mosto’. Once the tank is filled, it will be sealed in order to avoid oxygen contact from the environment and sudden temperature changes. The fermentation process duration can vary depending on the desired flavor profile and pH target. According to studies related to fermentation and coffee quality, coffee beans’ flavor is directly affected by the acidity in the environment, so producers must consider the pH measurement as an alarm clock to stop the process. Then it’s time to put the cherries to rest and dry on the raised beds under the UV protection in the greenhouse. The cherries will be revolved and sorted on a daily basis for a period of 30 to 40 days.