Coffee from Malawi – dark roast coffee
Origin and Plantation
Nestled between Tanzania and Zimbabwe, Malawi is home to some of the finest Arabica coffee. The plantations are primarily located in the southern regions of Thyolo, Mulanje, Zomba, and Mangochi. Although Malawi is a landlocked country, it has successfully built a thriving export economy centred on agricultural products. Today, approximately 500,000 small-scale farmers earn their livelihood through coffee cultivation.
Unlike many other coffee-growing regions in Africa, Malawi’s coffee plants are grown on terraces — a method designed to prevent soil erosion and protect the fertile land.
Character and Taste
This coffee’s rich character is enhanced by a slightly darker roast, which brings out deep notes of dark chocolate and subtle hints of nuts. These flavours are beautifully balanced by a lively citrus freshness, creating a vibrant and well-rounded cup. For the best experience, this coffee is ideal when brewed using a filter or French Press, where additional caramel notes emerge to enrich its flavour profile.
Particularities
While tea, macadamia nuts, and tobacco have long been Malawi’s primary crops, coffee cultivation has steadily gained importance. In recent years, smallholder farmers have increasingly focused on growing coffee, forming cooperatives to support sustainable production. Grown at altitudes of around 1,000 metres, Malawian coffee makes up less than 0.01% of the global coffee market — a true hidden gem.
Interestingly, the coffee plant was first introduced to Malawi by Scottish missionaries in the 19th century. Legend has it that John Buchan brought a single coffee plant from Edinburgh’s botanical garden, planting the seed for what has become a rich and distinctive coffee heritage.
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