Tanzania Tarime Coffee: Origin Guide

Tanzania Tarime, pronounced "Tah-ree-meh," is an enchanting coffee-growing region nestled in the northeastern part of Tanzania, bordering Kenya. This high-altitude region, with elevations reaching up to 1700 meters above sea level, is home to some of the best specialty coffee in the world. An interesting fact about Tanzania is that it is the only country in the world to have officially designated its entire territory as a rural area, in order to promote agriculture.

History Of The Region

Coffee has been cultivated in Tanzania for over a century, with Arabica coffee being introduced to the country in the late 19th century by Catholic missionaries. The Tarime region, however, has been producing its notable coffee for the past few decades. The Tanzanian coffee industry, including the Tarime region, experienced a significant transformation in the 1990s when the government liberalized the coffee sector, allowing smallholder farmers to directly participate in the global market. This change enabled the Tarime region to establish itself as a producer of high-quality specialty coffee, recognized for its unique and distinct flavors.

Farming & Processing Methods

While there isn't specific information available on the farming and processing methods unique to the Tarime region, it's safe to assume that the practices are similar to those in the rest of Tanzania. Coffee farming in Tanzania is predominantly carried out by smallholder farmers, with over 95% of the coffee being grown on small farms averaging around 0.5 hectares.

In Tanzania, coffee is typically processed using the wet-processing method, also known as washed processing. In this method, the coffee cherries are pulped to separate the coffee beans from the fruit, and then the beans are fermented to remove any remaining mucilage. The beans are then washed and spread out to dry on raised drying beds or patios, allowing for even drying and preventing contamination. This wet-processing method is known to produce clean, bright, and complex flavors in the coffee, which are characteristic of Tanzania Tarime coffee.

Tasting Notes

Tanzania Tarime coffee is renowned for its exceptional flavors and bright acidity. The coffee beans from this region exhibit a range of fruity and floral notes, with prominent flavors of red berries, citrus fruits, and stone fruits. These fruity notes are often accompanied by a delicate floral aroma, reminiscent of jasmine or bergamot. The coffee also tends to have a medium to full body, with a smooth and creamy mouthfeel. The bright acidity of the coffee is well-balanced by the sweet and complex flavors, resulting in a truly delightful and memorable cup.

Although specific information on well-known farms or farmers in the Tarime region is limited, the overall reputation of Tanzania Tarime coffee speaks for itself. The dedication and hard work of the smallholder farmers in this region shine through in the exceptional quality and unique flavors of the coffee they produce. As a specialty coffee professional or enthusiast, exploring the captivating flavors of Tanzania Tarime coffee is an experience not to be missed.