China Purple Zest – Natural

Ripe grapes, vibrant citrus, and an unexpected depth of cocoa.

From the mountains of Yunnan comes a coffee that challenges familiar expectations. Purple Zest combines the concentrated sweetness of grape jelly with the distinctive brightness of kumquat and a subtle cocoa finish.

Fruit-forward and expressive, this coffee offers lively citrus acidity, a rounded body, and an intriguing balance of flavors. A distinctive cup that reveals the growing diversity of Chinese specialty coffee.

Flavor Profile

• Main notes: grape jelly, kumquat, and cacao nibs.
• Additional nuances: ripe dark fruit and delicate citrus-peel aromas.
• Acidity: medium, citrus-driven, and juicy.
• Body: medium, rounded, and slightly dense.
• Sweetness: pronounced, fruity, and persistent.
• Finish: lingering, with ripe fruit and cocoa.
• Overall profile: sweet, fruit-forward, vibrant, and balanced.

The first sip recalls rich grape jelly, delivering a concentrated sweetness reminiscent of perfectly ripe fruit.

Kumquat follows, introducing a distinctive citrus brightness with an appealing contrast of sweetness, acidity, and gentle bitterness.

Cacao nibs add a deeper, slightly drier chocolate character that balances the fruit and gives the finish greater definition.

As the coffee cools, the citrus becomes more pronounced, revealing additional aromatic layers.

Origin and Processing

Purple Zest comes from Xishuangbanna in China's Yunnan province, a mountainous subtropical region east of Pu'er City, close to the border with Laos.

Known for centuries for its tea cultivation, this region is also developing a distinctive specialty coffee identity through the work of local farming communities.

This lot is produced through the collaboration of Tang Xiang and Tian Cai with smallholder farmers in the surrounding area.

The coffee grows between 1,400 and 1,630 meters above sea level, in a diverse agricultural landscape where coffee is cultivated alongside tea and fruit trees.

The Catimor P3/P4 variety is adapted to Yunnan's growing conditions and provides an interesting foundation for expressive natural-processed coffees.

The cherries are carefully hand-picked before undergoing water flotation to separate unsuitable fruit and other unwanted material.

Selected whole cherries are then spread across raised drying beds for a slow Natural drying process lasting approximately four to five weeks.

Once drying is complete, the outer fruit layers are removed and the coffee is graded before storage.

This extended preparation encourages concentrated sweetness, allowing ripe grape character to develop alongside lively kumquat and a deeper cocoa finish.

Why You'll Love It

• Grape jelly: rich, concentrated sweetness and expressive fruit.
• Kumquat: vibrant citrus with a distinctive, gently bittersweet edge.
• Cacao nibs: bring depth and structure to the finish.
• Unexpected origin: discover the character of specialty coffee from Yunnan.
• Extended drying: approximately four to five weeks on raised beds.
• Distinctive cup: ideal for those seeking adventurous, fruit-forward coffee.

Ideal for

• V60: highlights kumquat and fruit clarity.
• Origami: emphasizes the contrast between grape sweetness and citrus freshness.
• AeroPress: develops greater body and sweetness.
• French Press: enhances rounded texture and cocoa depth.
• Modern espresso: concentrates ripe fruit, sweetness, and chocolate character.
• Milk-based espresso: pairs its cocoa notes with rich fruit sweetness.

Technical Details

• Origin: China.
• Province: Yunnan.
• Region: Xishuangbanna.
• Producers: Tang Xiang, Tian Cai, and local smallholder families.
• Species: Arabica.
• Variety: Catimor P3/P4.
• Processing: Natural.
• Selection: hand-picked and sorted by water flotation.
• Drying: approximately 4–5 weeks on raised beds.
• Altitude: 1,400–1,630 m.a.s.l.
• Cupping score: 85.75 points.
• Tasting notes: grape jelly, kumquat, and cacao nibs.
• Profile: sweet, citrus-driven, fruit-forward, and balanced.
• Roasting: artisanally roasted by 98% Monkey – Coffee Roaster in Germany.

Summary

Ripe grape. Kumquat. Cocoa.

Purple Zest offers an unexpected expression of Chinese specialty coffee, combining concentrated fruit sweetness, vibrant citrus, and a satisfying cocoa finish.

A distinctive Natural from Yunnan, created for coffee lovers who enjoy exploring unusual origins and expressive flavors.