Brazil Santos NY 2/3 17/18 GC - unroasted coffee beans - 1 kilo

Most Brazilian coffee is cultivated on large farms designed for mechanical harvesting and processing, which maximises productivity. The relatively flat terrain of many coffee-growing regions in Brazil, combined with high minimum wages, has led most farms to prefer this method over selective hand-picking. In the past, mechanisation meant strip cropping was common; however, today's mechanical harvesters are increasingly sophisticated. This allows farms to only pick fully ripe berries at each harvest stage, which is great news for producers focusing on specialty products. On parts of farms that are less flat, a mixed method known as 'manual mechanised' harvesting is often used. Here, ripe coffee is collected using a derricadeira—a type of mechanised rake that vibrates to shake ripe berries free. A tarpaulin is laid between the coffee trees to catch the falling berries. With these newer, more selective technologies, a growing number of farms are able to focus on and deliver high cup quality. After harvesting, the cherries are typically spread out in thin layers on patios to dry. Under direct sunlight, the berries are carefully monitored and turned regularly.