Discovering Daterra Coffee: Why this Brazilian region produces exceptional coffee

Nestled in the heart of Brazil's Cerrado region, Daterra is more than just a name on a coffee label—it’s a beacon of innovation and sustainability in the world of specialty coffee. Known for producing some of the finest coffees in the world, Daterra has earned a reputation for quality that reflects its unique approach to farming and its ideal growing conditions. If you’ve tried a coffee in store with us, you’re sure to have tried Daterra Sunrise which is our house espresso. But what exactly makes coffee from this region so special?

Growing Conditions

Daterra is located in Minas Gerais, a region renowned for its coffee-friendly climate. The area benefits from a high altitude of approximately 1,150 meters (3,770 feet) above sea level. Coffee grown at this height take longer to develop, leading to a denser bean with a more complex body. This is evident in the flavour profiles of many Brazilian coffee beans. The Minas Gerais region has distinct rainy and dry seasons, with the former being crucial for the growth and development of the coffee plants, while the latter coincides with the coffee harvest. This helps in processing the coffee cherries, ensuring they are not overly exposed to moisture. The rich, red soil of the Cerrado region is also packed with nutrients such as iron and potassium, this type of soil provides the necessary minerals and drainage for the coffee plants, contributing to the flavour overall.

To learn more about how taste changes region to region check out our recent blog post on “The Art and Science of Coffee Tasting: A Journey Through Flavour Profiles”.

Sustainability

What truly sets Daterra apart is its commitment to innovation and being eco-friendly. Daterra was the first farm in the world to receive the prestigious Rainforest Alliance Certification, highlighting its dedication to environmental preservation and social responsibility. The Rainforest Alliance Certification is a globally recognised certification that ensures that farms and businesses meet rigorous environmental, social, and economic sustainability standards. The farm uses cutting-edge agricultural techniques, such as precise irrigation systems and advanced drying methods, to enhance the quality of the coffee while minimising its environmental impact.

Moreover, Daterra is deeply involved in research and development, constantly experimenting with new coffee varieties and processing methods. This focus means that every batch of coffee from Daterra is the result of careful scientific study, ensuring that only the best beans make it to you.

Daterra Estate has achieved carbon-negative status by not only sequestering more carbon than they emit but also implementing a range of sustainability initiatives. Through advanced agroforestry systems, they integrate trees with coffee crops, capturing significant amounts of carbon. Additionally, they use regenerative farming techniques, such as composting organic matter and minimising chemical inputs, which enhance soil carbon storage. By carefully managing water, energy, and waste, production of Brazil Daterra coffee reduces its carbon footprint further, ultimately offsetting its emissions and becoming one of the first carbon-negative coffee farms in the world.

Flavour Profile

Daterra coffee is celebrated for its distinctive flavour profile. Typically, you’ll find a well-balanced cup with a mix of fruity, nutty, and chocolatey notes, often with a subtle acidity that adds brightness without overpowering the palate. These flavours are the result of meticulous processing methods, such as the Penta System, which involves five stages of grading to ensure the beans reach their full potential. Whether you’re enjoying a rich espresso or a smooth pour-over, the coffee’s complexity and depth of flavour are undeniable, making it a popular choice world-wide.

A Legacy of Excellence

Daterra’s deeply cares about producing top-class coffee and its matched by its commitment to the people and land that make it possible. The farm’s sustainable practices not only protect the environment but also ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the exceptional coffee it produces. As quality coffee distributors, this legacy of excellence is something that Pumphrey’s Coffee are proud to support and share with our customers. Read ‘The best Brazilian coffee beans to buy’ for more coffee recommendations.

Experience Daterra at Pumphrey’s Newcastle

At Pumphrey’s Coffee, we’re thrilled to offer coffee from Daterra as part of our selection of premium, ethically sourced beans. Our house espresso for multiple years now, it’s a reliably moreish drink regardless of brewing method. It’s depth and body make it a versatile drink, delicious with or without milk. Try at home as beans, ground or our Nespresso Compatible Daterra pods.

With all this in mind, next time you brew a cup of Daterra coffee, take a moment to savour the flavours and appreciate the journey from the rich soils of Brazil to your mug. Get in touch if you have any questions.