$25.00
At the heart of Tanzania's emerging specialty coffee scene lies our exceptional Mbozi Ilomba AA. This coffee tells a compelling story of agricultural innovation and cooperative success in East Africa's evolving coffee landscape.
The Ilomba cooperative, achieving official status in 2006 with NGO support, represents small-scale farmers who typically manage less than two hectares each. Their farms, scattered across the highlands of the Mbozi District near Iluya town, grow traditional varieties including Bourbon, Kent, and Typica at elevations reaching 1900 meters. Their AA-grade coffee represents the pinnacle of Tanzanian coffee classification. Following the grading system common across East Africa, AA designates the largest bean size (screen size 17/18), which often corresponds to higher elevation growing conditions and superior cup quality.
What sets this coffee apart is its meticulous processing at the cooperative's washing station. Each batch begins with careful cherry selection through flotation, removing any unripe beans. The cooperative employs water-conserving eco-pulpers, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable practices. After pulping, the coffee undergoes a precise 1-2 day fermentation, followed by channel washing and a careful two-week drying period on raised beds.
Tanzania, a significant producer of what's known as "Colombian Mild" coffee alongside Kenya and Colombia itself, contributes about 6% to this prestigious category. While lesser-known than its East African neighbors, Tanzania is quietly building a reputation for exceptional coffee, with about 90% coming from smallholder farmers like those at Ilomba.
In the cup, this coffee demonstrates why AA-grade Tanzanian coffee deserves more attention in the specialty coffee world. The profile opens with a malty sweetness reminiscent of brown ale, complemented by vibrant citrus notes. The larger AA beans, often associated with more developed flavor compounds, reveal complex layers as the cup cools – baking spice aromas, subtle praline sweetness, and a pleasantly bittering finish reminiscent of grapefruit and fine tea. This complexity showcases both the quality of the terroir and the careful processing methods employed by the cooperative.
Tanzania's coffee sector represents a vital part of its agricultural economy, with the country growing both Arabica (primarily in regions like Kilimanjaro and Mbeya) and Robusta varieties. The Tanzania Coffee Board carefully regulates the industry, ensuring quality through systems like the six Zonal Coffee Auctions, which have helped modernize the country's coffee trade.
Through programs providing agronomical support and involving farmers in governance, cooperatives like Ilomba are helping transform Tanzania's coffee industry. Their focus on quality processing and sustainable practices not only produces exceptional coffee but also helps secure better futures for their farming communities.
This AA-grade coffee exemplifies the potential of Tanzanian specialty coffee. Every cup supports a cooperative that's empowering farmers while preserving traditional varieties and embracing sustainable practices. Join us in discovering one of East Africa's most promising coffee origins.
