El Vergel State
Elias and Shady started to work with experimental coffee in a way that they could create and pass through the technology that would help to improve the quality of life of the families that work together with them in their project El Vergel State. Experimenting and looking for innovative methods they, with the help of Kaapo Paavolainen developed a fermentation technique using Asperigillus Oryzae.
Koji Supernatural
To process these unique coffees, we use Asperigillus Oryzae. This type of fungus is reproduced in steamed rice. Then is dried and grounded, to be ready to applied to the coffee beans. We let the coffee ferment anaerobically for a couple of hours. At this time a white layer should be seen on the top of the coffee beans. Then is dried in African beds under the sun and stabilized in grain pro bags.
Aspergillus oryzae, also known as kōji mold, is a filamentous fungus used in East Asia to saccharify rice, sweet potato, and barley in the making of alcoholic beverages such as sake and shōchū, and also to ferment soybeans for making soy sauce and miso.
About this coffee
Cupping score: 88.25
Farm: El Vergel
Producer: Elias and Shady Bayter
Region: Tolima
Altitude: 1460 MASL
Variety: red bourbon
Processing: koji supernatural
Variety
One of the most culturally and genetically important C. arabica varieties in the world, known for excellent quality in the cup at the highest altitudes. Bourbon is valued for its complex acidity and wonderful balance. It often has a sweet quality and nice and crisp acidity but can present quite distinct flavours depending on where it is planted.
Anaerobic fermentation
Fermentation is a chemical process whereby carbohydrates, such as sugars are broken down into alcohols or acids by microbial activities in the absence of oxygen. While fermentation is, by its nature, an anaerobic process, the term “anaerobic fermentation” refers specifically to fermentation that occurs in a custom-built, oxygen-free environment, such as a sealed container or tank.
