Tanzania Mondul Estate AA

Lemonade | Cloudy Apple | Peach Iced Tea

This exceptional washed coffee is meticulously sourced from the 'Bloom Plot' located on the Mondul Estate. Positioned at the highest elevation on the farm, this distinct plot yields the estate's finest quality washed coffee. Established in 1931 and acquired by Burka Estates in 2007, Mondul Estate spans a considerable 211 hectares on Mondul Mountain, approximately 25 kilometres from Burka town in the Arusha region of Northern Tanzania. This region forms the heartland of Maasai territory in Tanzania.The estate employs around 200 permanent staff members and an additional 200 daily casual labourers. During the peak harvest season, the workforce can swell to an impressive 5,000 individuals dedicated to the picking and processing of the coffee cherries. All permanent staff are provided with housing, and the minimum wage is set at 20% above the government-mandated minimum. Employees benefit from social security and Labour Union membership, which are incorporated into their contracts. Additionally, an Estate credit union offers loans and guidance for education, healthcare, and housing construction.Freshly picked ripe cherries are delivered to the mill within six hours, where they undergo grading, sorting, and are subsequently processed through a Pinhalense de-mucilage machine before being transferred to soaking tanks. The estate's wet mill is supplied by a natural spring, and the water is recirculated before being disposed of into seepage pits. The waste cherry pulp is combined with worms to create organic fertiliser, which is then reutilised on the estate.The parchment coffee is meticulously sorted and thoroughly rinsed in washing channels before being placed onto elevated African drying tables. The drying process typically spans up to seven days until the moisture level reaches 12% or lower. Regular turning, particularly in the initial 48 hours, ensures an even drying rate. Finally, the parchment is transported to Moshi for milling and bagging, before making its way to Dar Es Salaam for export.