Episode 333 on Monday the 30th of March 2015, Malawi Msese Nykia Geisha Washed TOH

Grown in the Viphya North Hills on the grassland plateau overlooking Lake Malawi, this micro lot is a mix of Nyika (which is a dwarf hybrid of Catimor 129 developed in Malawi) and the much prized Geisha vareital. Geisha is an ancient and very rare coffee variety that has gianed a lot of favour of late, but is very low yielding and vulnerable to disease and pests. The Nyika is the opposite, high yielding, hardy and strong, but catimor is less desirable to the coffee buyer who doesn’t taste.

Luckily for this coffee it was part of a competition where the lots are all cupped blindly called the Taste of Harvest (ToH) competition. A competition that is held in a few african countries, and this one won outright coming first this year for Malawi.

Located on the Viphya plateau which is in the eastern part of Mzimba district, Northern Malawi. Approx 85km south of Mzimba town, and 165km south of Mzuzu (the regional capital).

After pulping, coffee is fermented underwater (using clean water from local rivers) for between 12-36 hours, in order to remove remaining mucilage. Post-fermentation, coffee is washed and graded in sorting channels. Processing water is redistributed into seepage pits.

Parchment is then placed on pre-drying beds for 2-3 hours, until any surface water has evaporated, before being transferred to African raised beds, in layers of 3-5cm. In order to prevent parchment cracking, it is turned regularly, and covered at midday heat, to ensure uniform drying. When moisture levels reach 10.5-11%, it is removed from drying tables and placed in conditioning bins, in the parchment shed.

In the cup expect a lovely clean lemon citrus, and huge floral hit. But then this coffee surprises you as it takes a left turn into toffee sweetness and a mouthfeel and taste that only reminds me of my childhood and Nesquik chocolate milkshake. 

Country: Malawi

Region: Northern

City: Mzimba

Farm: Msese

Farmer: Cooperative

Altitude: 1,600 – 1,900 m.a.s.l.
Varietal: Nyika and Geisha