At Coffee & Love we鈥檙e specialised in not only crafting exceptional coffees but also creating exquisite Tea鈥檚 out of coffee blossoms. This Blossom Tea from Magundi is a must try.
Photo shot by Cafe Sutra of our product.
Blossoms are flowers borne on the coffee plant as a result of natural showers. We hand pick these sweet smelling coffee flowers and age them to showcase the best of the blooms.
Wondering what it tastes like?
Experience the exquisite flavors of jasmine, oolong, and vanilla intertwined within. Indulge in this sensational tea by simply sending us a direct message, and it will be yours to savor. If you prefer to leave the brewing to the experts, worry not! You can always enjoy a delightful cup of this floral-infused tea in Goa at Cafe Sutra.
Photo shot by Cafe Sutra of our product
Climate Change Catastrophe
The coffee flowers were in full bloom! But why did it bloom in December? When the flowering time is February-March? 鉀堬笍
Before I tell you that! Let鈥檚 know more about the coffee.
The robusta coffee is a cross pollinating specie. What does that mean?
The male and female flowers are on different plants and to get coffee you need the pollen to move from one flower to the other.
So coming back to the question.
Why was the coffee blooming in December?
With the current unseasonably rainfall, the flowers come earlier in December meanwhile the bees are left behind. Soon the bees that arrive in February will have limited food. Considering that some coffee plants will still bloom in February-March. If the necessary cross-pollination does not occur between these flowers and the bees, it could lead to a significant impact on coffee production.
In simpler terms, without the bees we might not have any coffee at all. 馃悵
Cross Pollination in Robusta
Irrigation
Once we complete the coffee cherry harvest by the end of January, we take an 8-day break before commencing the irrigation process on the farm using spot jets. This initial irrigation cycle is known as the Blossom Shower 馃尭. Since our farm has sandy soil, we allocate 4 hours for irrigating each block and then allow a 15-day gap for the flowers to bloom. Approximately 7 to 8 days after the Blossom Shower, the blossoms emerge. In the event of insufficient water, the flower buds will turn pink as an indicator of stress. Properly irrigated plants, on the other hand, will display lush white blossoms with a delightful jasmine-like scent. These blossoms attract bees, which are drawn to the nectar-filled reproductive organs and aid in the pollination process by transferring pollen from a different robusta plant.
After the blossom stage, we eagerly await the development of small green berries, which gradually grow and change colour over several months. The cycle repeats, ensuring a bountiful coffee harvest year after year.
Picking blossoms early due to climate change
Watering the cherry tree while its blossoms are in full bloom can impede its cherry production. Therefore, a 15-day interval is maintained between two rounds of irrigation. The second round, referred to as backup irrigation, plays a crucial role in promoting optimal growth of both the crop berries and the leaves.
Coffee Board Educating Planters
Stepping into specialty coffee has got us picking the sweet smelling coffee blossoms. These delicate flowers attract bees that facilitate cross-pollination, resulting in luscious Robusta cherries. This specialty Robusta coffee blossom has been aged to perfection after being washed in water baskets.
馃挴 percent Robusta Blossom Harvest
Coffee Blossom Infused Gin
Let鈥檚 talk about Tea, but make it a cocktail. If you prefer something more fancy. We have a recipe for you to try.
Lets brew the tea:
-Begin by boiling 220 ml of water in a kettle or saucepan.
-Allow the water to cool for approximately 2 minutes, bringing the temperature down to 95 degrees Celsius.
-Into a tea pot, add 2-3 grams of coffee blossom.
-Let the coffee blossom steep in the pot for 2 minutes, allowing its flavors to infuse into the water.
Now, let's move on to creating the cocktail:
-Take a cold margarita glass and pour in 30 ml to 50 ml of your choice of gin, whether it be the vibrant Greater Than Gin or the classic Bombay Sapphire.
-Add a handful of ice cubes to the glass, creating a refreshing chill.
To add an elegant touch to the cocktail:
Sprinkle some delicate coffee blossoms as a garnish, enhancing both the visual appeal and aroma of the drink.
Note: Using Greater Than gin will give a bit more citrusy finish.
Good ol fashioned tea
Photo shot by Arpan Ramtek of our product
- Boil 200 ml of water in a tea pot, wait till the temperature drops to 90 degrees.
- Add 2 grams of coffee blossom.
- Allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes.
It鈥檚 pretty simple to make.
Photo shot by Cafe Sutra of our product.
In February, we organize special events aimed at educating people about the beauty of coffee blossoms, followed by a delightful farm walk while the whiff of jasmine鈥檚 are still in the air.
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