- The coffee
Our plantations are spread across the island of Flores, with a greater concentration in the parish of Fazenda (Lajes das Flores), on land of different sizes and altitudes. Over the years we have expanded our plantings and today we have around 4,000 coffee plants in the ground and several hundred still in the nursery. We mainly cultivate Arabica coffee, from the Yellow Bourbon and Red Caturra varieties.
To respect the soil and the needs of the coffee plant, we grow it in symbiosis with other fruit trees (avocado trees, banana plants, among others) as well as with taller trees that were already present on the island. This creates a more diverse and resilient plant system, without the use of synthetic plant protection products. Our plantations are located at altitudes ranging from 300 m to 5 m above sea level.
Rifte Café is a pioneering experience and a laboratory in constant evolution through our empirical learning and exchanges with fellow growers. This companion planting, combined with unique climatic conditions and altitudes, contributes to a coffee with a character and flavour unlike any other in the world.
Plantings created from seeds or from shoots collected from the base of Azorean mother trees.
The young plants are transplanted into individual pots and grown in a greenhouse before being moved to the outdoor nursery.
Planting the trees in the ground, maintaining the plantations, and creating protective structures.
100% manual, bean by bean, harvesting only the ripe cherries and using water flotation to remove defective fruits (floaters).
Removal of the outer skin of the cherry, manual selection of the remaining pulp, and a quick rinse with water to remove dust and residues.
2 to 3 weeks of drying on mesh trays in a covered drying patio, with daily turning and ventilation of the beans and husk.
Opening the plantation to visitors to discover this remarkable plant, the coffee tree, and the entire production chain, from tree to cup.
Sublimation of the product through this final stage, roasting. It is both an art and a delicate process aimed at bringing out the full potential of the green bean until it becomes the much-anticipated coffee.
Final preparation of the drink, beginning with grinding the roasted beans, followed by percolation or another brewing method to prepare the coffee.
Species: Arabica
Variety: Red Caturra & Yellow Bourbon
Planting Altitude: most coffee plants at 80 m above sea level, with plantations also located between 5 m and 300 m altitude
Harvest: 100% manual, bean by bean, with weekly pickings during the harvest season (June to August)
Processing Method: Honey
Yellow Bourbon: Sweet, fruity, berries, marzipan, cherry, dried fruits
Red Caturra: Sweet, nuts, chocolate, nougat
Drying: 2–3 weeks on mesh or stainless steel trays in a covered drying patio.
Storage: In the dark, in paper bags with aluminium insulation and/or containers with a release valve.
Control: Using a meter to monitor the moisture level of the green coffee over time.
Samples: We can send samples of our products by post.
For requests, please contact us at riftecafe@gmail.com
Shipping: CTT with prepayment.
