Out of Africa Coffee
Zambia Mafinga Hills AAA - Kateshi Estate - 12oz
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Kateshi coffee estate, one of the first coffee estates in Zambia, was established in 1972 close to Kateshi village. Back then, its wet processing facilities represented the heart of coffee production in northern Zambia having been the central mill for all coffee produced in the region.
Kateshi has been recognized for boldly challenging the gender stereotypes in Zambia, being the first and only coffee estate to employ women for traditionally male-dominated roles such as driving tractors and even larger equipment like road graders and bulldozers. A strong focus on gender equality makes this coffee directly contribute to women's empowerment – and this is not restricted to the farm; the newfound sense of independence and pride also spills over into the neighboring communities.
Cupping Notes: Ripe pear, grape, peach, maraschino Cherry, simple syrup.
• Growing Altitude: 1,300 meters above sea level
• Variety: Castillo
• Process: Washed
• Region: Northern Province
By the time commercial coffee production began in Zambia in the 1950's, the British had considerable experience in starting and operating coffee plantations in India, Kenya, and elsewhere. Planting coffee was an attempt to decrease a dependence on copper exports. Not surprisingly, the emphasis was on yield and production efficiencies. Plantations were large and orderly, grown in full sun on flat land, and processed in large wet mills wherever possible.
Zambia made almost no appearance whatsoever on the world coffee stage until coffee was officially exported for the first time in 1985.
The Northern province has the best conditions for arabica coffee cultivation in Zambia
with its relative proximity to the equator and abundant altitude (Mafinga Hills being the
highest point in the country at 2,300 masl). Most coffee grows from 1300 - 2300 masl (meters above sea level).
Zambia produces both washed and naturally processed coffee and has introduced
some honey processing. A wide range of varieties including Catimor 129, Castillo,
Java, and other trial varieties. Specialty grades are AAA, AA, AB and Peaberry.