Umalila

Raspberry, Blood Orange, Honey

• Story

  The cooperative initially began producing coffee without a CPU. At that time, six villages existed, each operating its own small group. These groups later united to establish a shared depot for collecting home‑processed parchment, reaching volumes of up to 70 tonnes. By 2018, however, the depot system had become inefficient, prompting the need for improved processing methods. In 2021, with the introduction of the cooperative structure, the farmers acquired their first CPU and processed their first 50 tonnes of washed coffee. By 2023, production had increased significantly, reaching 106 bags of clean parchment. Today, processing follows a structured workflow. Farmers deliver freshly harvested red cherries between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. The pulping machine is activated once enough cherries have arrived to ensure continuous operation for at least two hours. Additional deliveries throughout the afternoon keep the machine running smoothly until about 7 p.m. After pulping, the wet parchment is separated by density into the categories P1, P2, P3, P Lights, and pods. It is then fermented for 12 to 24 hours, washed, soaked for an additional 8 to 12 hours, and finally dried on raised tables for 7 to 14 days.

• Provenance

  Country: Tanzania

  Region: Mbeya, Southern Highlands

  Elevation: 1,759 masl

  Produced by: Umalila cooperative

  Variety: N39, Compact

  Process: Washed

• Transparency

  Price Paid (FOB): $3.26/lb

  Price vs Fairtrade Minimum: +81%

  Cup Score: 85

  Relationship Since: 2025

  What does this mean? Learn more on coffee transparency.

• Brewing

  Equipment: V60 Bundle

  Grind Size: Coarse (Setting 6.25 on Fellow Opus)

  Temperature: 98°

  Dose/Yield: 16.5/250g

  Brew Time: 02.55
  
  For this Umalila recipe we're brewing V60. We encourage you to explore different brew methods, as our range is roasted great however you like to prepare.
  
  Step 1: Start with a 40g bloom
  Step 2: At 0.40, pour to 120g
  Step 3: At 1.10, pour to 200g
  Step 4: At 1.40, pour to 250g
  Step 5: Enjoy
  
  Watch our v60 brewing guide.