We just returned from a remarkable trip to the Gayo Mountain region of Northern Sumatra. For several years Vita has been buying large quantities of exceptional coffee from a revered cooperative in the Lake Tawar area. On this trip our green coffee buyer Mason Sager was able to visit individual plots within the co-op, bring back detailed notes and samples, and focus our buying specifically to three brilliant farms near the Gayo River.
The farmers in this valley are extraordinarily dedicated to their trees and surrounding environment, their passion for organic and sustainable technique is awe inspiring and these farms are in the final stretches of obtaining Fair Trade certification. Chilies, bananas, passion fruit, papayas, and towering shade trees all grow harmoniously amongst the coffee. It is a joy and an honor to be able to bring this coffee directly from the farmers hands to you, especially given the warm reception of hospitality and generosity we experienced in Gayo.
And the coffee?…
We just returned from a remarkable trip to the Gayo Mountain region of Northern Sumatra. For several years Vita has been buying large quantities of exceptional coffee from a revered cooperative in the Lake Tawar area. On this trip our green coffee buyer Mason Sager was able to visit individual plots within the co-op, bring back detailed notes and samples, and focus our buying specifically to three brilliant farms near the Gayo River.
The farmers in this valley are extraordinarily dedicated to their trees and surrounding environment, their passion for organic and sustainable technique is awe inspiring and these farms are in the final stretches of obtaining Fair Trade certification. Chilies, bananas, passion fruit, papayas, and towering shade trees all grow harmoniously amongst the coffee. It is a joy and an honor to be able to bring this coffee directly from the farmers hands to you, especially given the warm reception of hospitality and generosity we experienced in Gayo.
And the coffee?…
The highly anticipated new crop of CAFFE VITA FARM DIRECT FINCA NUEVO VINAS has just landed here in Seattle. This coffee has been shipped to us directly from our friends in Guatemala, an extremely dedicated 4th generation coffee farm nestled within the lush rainforest/ volcanic region of Santa Rosa, Guatemala.
An exemplary farm of environmental stewardship and sustainability that clearly shows through from seed to cup. In continuing support of CAFFE VITA FARM DIRECT, our friends at FINCA NUEVO VINAS invited us to visit the farm this past January and allowed us the incredible opportunity of experiencing the entire life cycle of this coffee as well as meet the people who work tirelessly throughout the year to bring this exceptional coffee, exclusively to CAFFE VITA here in Seattle. Truly an experience of a lifetime!
This is a 100% certified organic coffee from the first Rainforest Alliance certified coffee farm in Guatemala. A delicious cup of coffee with enticing aromas of citrus, honey…
along the koke river valley in the region of sidamo we captured a traditional khat ceremony - east africans have been chewing the green leaves and giving thanks to the heavens for this intoxicating stimulant for hundreds of years - despite the controversy surrounding khat it plays an undeniable role in the coffee industry...
This video was inspired by our recent source trip to Ethiopia - where coffee plays a central role in the daily culture of that magnificent land. The smell of coffee roasting permeates the little villages and the large cities - the beans are roasted by hand in almost every household, caramelized over open flames, and prepared in a traditional ceremony that has been practiced for over 1000 years.
We were blown away by the reverence and respect given the bean - and thought we should pay a little homage by attempting to roast a small batch of beans in our own home. The process is relatively simple - requires a good cast-iron or steel pan - and about 15-20 minutes of attention. Vita has put some green beans up on their online store, take the below link if you would like to order some and give it a whirl.
This morning we got up early and talked to the nice ladies at Martha Stewart Radio about green coffee and roasting at home - sadly we can't post the audio clip as it is a satellite radio…
caffe vita farm direct source trip: carmo de minas brazil
coffee harvesting on the award winning farm in the sul de minas region of brazil - we spent a week on the farm, picking coffee, drinking the local rum, and cooking and discussing the life behind the bean on the remarkable farm.
go to: http://vitaonepot.blogspot.com to read essays, see more videos, pics, recipes, etc...
Caffé Vita Coffee Company has been roasting coffee in Seattle, Washington since 1995. About two years ago we made the decision to begin traveling the globe extensively to source coffee directly from specific farms producing remarkable coffee. We ensure that each farm is an inspiration in sustainability and quality.
To make the project even more interesting we commissioned guerrilla chef/writer Michael Hebberoy of ONEPOT.org
Caffé Vita Coffee Company has been roasting coffee in Seattle, Washington since 1995. About two years ago we made the decision to begin traveling the globe extensively to source coffee directly from specific farms producing remarkable coffee. We ensure that each farm is an inspiration in sustainability and quality.
To make the project even more interesting we commissioned guerrilla chef/writer Michael Hebberoy of ONEPOT.org to gather farmers in each region, and spend a day cooking a feast and sharing a table. Michael uses the common table as a way to find out the stories behind the coffee trees - who are the farmers? What are there lives like? What is the political climate? And what are the social realities of growing the second most valuable crop on the planet?
Go to caffevita.com for essays, pictures, and more of this unprofessional study.
Shout Box
Great stuff! We just found out about you guys on the NY Times's blog "The Moment." If we're ever in Seattle, this will be the FIRST place we visit.
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