Origin Stories: Cerrado Mineiro, Brazil
A Coffee Gem from Rugged Country
If you enjoy a rich espresso, chances are you're tasting the rewards of Brazilian coffee beans cultivated in the sprawling savanna of Cerrado Mineiro. This coffee lover's gem, nestled in the northwest region of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, is known for its relatively flat terrain – windswept valleys enriched with volcanic soil, resting beneath impressive mesas. It's rugged country, home to dedicated medium-to-large-sized farms and plantations focused on one clear goal: producing high-quality, clean coffee for the world. The hardworking spirit of this region shines through in every bean.
Grown high up: Coffee here thrives at altitudes of 900-1,250m (3,000 - 4,100 feet). (Photo by Lucas Souza on Unsplash.)
The region's distinct climate – think languid, humid summers followed by bone-dry winters – helps develop uniquely rich coffee beans. Many describe the aroma as reminiscent of nutty caramel, with taste notes like sun-ripened raisins. Because Brazil often utilizes the natural processing method (where the bean dries inside the fruit), the resulting coffee is typically low in acidity. That's good news for folks sensitive to acid reflux. See our guide to low acidity coffee for more details.
These distinctive Brazilian beans from Cerrado Mineiro are a key component in our Graveyard Shift espresso blend, paired with beans from Costa Rica. When you brew a cup, you're experiencing the result of dedicated labor – beans hand-picked on farms during the spring-to-late-summer harvest. The primary varieties grown here include Yellow and Red Catuai, and Mundo Novo – sturdy beans ready for the hard work of becoming great coffee.
Full natural process: After harvest, the beans are dried inside the coffee cherry. This allows the bean to absorb sugars and pectin, contributing to the region's signature sweetness and full-bodied flavor. (Photo by César Coni on Pexels.)
Guarding the Source: A Designation of Origin
It’s worth noting that the farmers supplying beans often demonstrate a strong commitment to the land. Many set aside significant portions of their land, sometimes around 35%, for conservation, helping preserve the region's natural beauty for generations to come. In recognition of its unique characteristics and quality standards, Cerrado Mineiro became the first region in Brazil granted a protective Designation of Origin status in 2013. Sustainability is vital here; the Cerrado is a certified biodiversity hotspot, home to thousands of wildlife and plant species, including the "Big 5": giant anteater, jaguar, maned wolf, tapir, and giant armadillo. Though perhaps less famous than the Amazon, the Cerrado is the world's most biodiverse savanna and a crucial water source for the country.
“They’ve got an awful lot of coffee in Brazil.” — Frank Sinatra
A Focus on Specialty Coffee
The commitment to quality in Cerrado Mineiro is serious business. Recently, initiatives like virtual specialty coffee auctions have aimed to forge stronger connections between the farms in Cerrado Mineiro and international coffee roasters like us. This focus is possible because a significant portion – reportedly over 60% – of the coffee grown here meets specialty grade standards. For those new to the term, the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) defines specialty coffee as scoring 80 points or higher on their 100-point scale. This score signifies high-quality coffee with distinct, desirable flavour characteristics. A quick search reveals numerous growers in this region proudly offering top-notch, traceable coffee – a testament to their craft. Experience the dedication of Cerrado Mineiro's farmers in every cup of our Graveyard Shift.
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