Tanzania is an emerging and exciting source of good coffee. Each East African harvest seems to get more flavorful, and Tanzania produces high-quality coffee , making it a sought-after destination for coffee aficionados. In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know about Tanzanian coffee beans.
History of coffee in Tanzania
Tanzania shares borders with other coffee-producing countries in the world. As we mentioned, Tanzania produces some of the best coffees with a high profile, just like its neighbors. They also produce almost the same amount of coffee as Kenya, exporting around 790,000 6kg bags each year.
Initially, coffee wasn't produced commercially until the 1890s. Locals used coffee as a chewable fruit, rather than roasting the beans into a flavorful beverage.
It wasn't until the 19th century that Tanzania began professionally cultivating coffee, when it became a German colony. Coffee farms were immediately established throughout the country, and coffee production tripled within a few years.
It was immediately clear that Tanzania had something special to offer the world: peaberry coffee.
Peaberry Coffee
In approximately 2-4% of all coffee, a genetic mutation occurs that causes each coffee cherry to produce only one bean instead of two. This bean will have a very distinct shape and size and is said to be more flavorful than regular coffee, as it concentrates the flavor of two beans into one.
In Tanzania, after centuries of cultivation, they have managed to increase the occurrence of this mutation so much that they are now the largest producer of peaberry coffee in the world. Although not all Tanzanian coffee is peaberry, most of it is. Chances are, if you buy Tanzanian coffee, you're buying peaberry coffee.
The differences between regular and peaberry beans are probably too subtle for the untrained eye to notice. One way to differentiate them is that while Arabica beans are oval-shaped, peaberry beans tend to be more rounded.
What does Tanzanian coffee taste like?
Tanzanian coffees pack a punch. However, their acidity is milder than that of their northern neighbors, Ethiopia and Kenya. Furthermore, after roasting, the beans from each growing region display unique characteristics.
Coffee from the Kilimanjaro region
Kilimanjaro coffee stands out for its prominent flavors of black fruits, red fruits, and lemon. It also has sweet nuances of chocolate, vanilla, and praline. Like Kenyan coffee, the beans from this region have a distinctive acidity and a smooth, velvety texture on the palate.
Southern Highlands Coffee
Coffee from the Southern Highlands of Tanzania has distinct flavors of black cherry and mandarin. Pronounced nuances of chocolate, molasses, and caramel can also be detected.
These roasted beans are famous for their silky body and mild acidity. These unique characteristics distinguish Tanzanian coffee beans from other African coffees.
Coffee from the Western Lakes Region
Robusta coffees come from the Western Lakes region, near Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika. These coffees share many premium qualities with Kenyan Arabica coffee.
They're an excellent choice for light breakfast or morning coffee. What stands out about these beans? Lovely citrus flavors with hints of caramel and a lively yet mild acidity.
You can also roast these beans for a second crack and enjoy them as a dark or espresso roast. With this roast profile, these coffees bloom, revealing hidden chocolate notes filled with spices.
Coffee production in Tanzania today
In the 1990s, the coffee industry in Tanzania took off again. Independent farmers obtained licenses from the Tanzania Coffee Board, allowing them to produce and sell coffee directly to roasters and exporters.
The board's role now includes regulating the industry and advising the government on all matters related to coffee. It also oversees quality control, coffee grading, and the weekly auction in Moshi.
Today, coffee is a success story in Tanzania. It is the largest commercial crop in the country, providing livelihoods to more than 400,000 families.
Unique even among the world's most unique coffees, Tanzanian coffee is certainly something worthy of recognition. Its special flavor sets it apart, and once you taste it, you'll be able to differentiate it from all other coffees.