This Tamuka mu Zimbabwe was part of the Nespresso Reviving Origins program to restore Zimbabwe’s coffee industry. Despite the country’s advantageous high mountains and cool temperatures for coffee cultivation, economic instability and climate changes had precipitated a decline in production by two-thirds since its peak in the 1990s.
The coffee underwent a split roast process, characterized by an initial light and brief roasting to enhance the inherent sweetness, followed by a subsequent dark and prolonged roasting to achieve a balanced and smooth profile.
When brewed into espresso, the coffee exhibited an opaque dark brown hue, accompanied by a subtle yet invitingly sweet coffee aroma. Prepared with milk in accordance with Nespresso’s recommended 4:1 espresso-to-milk ratio, the result was a velvety and creamy texture, coupled with distinct sweet notes of caramel and toffee that evolved as the coffee was savoured. These flavours endured into the finish, with minimal bitterness detected. When prepared black with a 1:1 espresso-to-water ratio, a noticeable acidity surfaced initially, succeeded by the emergence of caramel and toffee undertones in the final stages. In summary, this coffee showcased a mild character, featuring softly roasted nuances and minimal bitterness. Its best expression was observed when paired with milk, which tamed the acidity while accentuating the inherent sweetness.
This Nespresso Reviving Origins Tamuka mu Zimbabwe contained 10 x 5.5 g capsules. It was produced in Switzerland and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2022.