Though this region ranks second in Brazil’s coffee production in Brazil, more than 75% of that coffee is Robusta. This variety handles lower elevations and higher temperatures, and it’s grown for the commodity market. Specialty coffee lovers, however, look for Arabica coffee beans. Happily, the mountains of the Espírito Santo region are giving rise to some exciting specialty-grade Arabica coffees, and the terrain favors hand-picking, also adding to the quality. During the harvest, each family member plays an important role as they pick, process, and selling the coffee.
In a sort of domino effect, as one producer pursues excellence through meticulous growing and processing practices and is rewarded for those innovations and the quality of coffee produces, neighboring farmers are inspired to emulate their success. In this way, Montanhas Do Espirito Santo, where long maturation of the cherries results in highly sweet, complex flavors, is emerging as an up-and-coming new specialty coffee region with its own unique cup profiles.