Geisha Coffee Beans: A Legend in the Boutique Coffee World

Geisha coffee beans, also known as Cuisinart coffee, have been the darling of the boutique coffee world in recent years. This unique coffee variety is known for its elegant flavor and rarity, and has become a sought-after commodity by coffee lovers. Let's take a closer look at this mysterious coffee bean.

Origin of the geisha coffee bean

The Geisha coffee bean originates from Geisha Mountain in southwestern Ethiopia. The pronunciation of "Geisha" is similar to that of the Japanese word "geisha", hence the name Geisha Coffee. This coffee variety was discovered in 1931 in the Geisha Forest in Ethiopia, and was later introduced to other countries for research and cultivation.
In 1963, Geisha Coffee was introduced to Panama. However, due to its low yield and harsh growing conditions, it was initially not emphasized by farmers and was mainly used as a windbreak. It wasn't until 2004, when the Geisha coffee from Panama La Esmeralda won the "Best of Panama" competition, that it really caught the world's attention.

Characteristics of the Geisha coffee bean

The Geisha coffee bean is known for its unique flavor profile:
- Flavor: pronounced floral, jasmine, citrus and tropical fruit aromas
- Mouthfeel: freshness and complexity, with outstanding sweetness and acidity
- Quality: 94.0% in the Scoring System of the Society for Coffee Excellence (SCA)

. Quality: 94.1 out of 100 in the SCA rating system
The Geisha coffee tree grows under harsh conditions and is usually planted in highlands at an altitude of more than 1,400 meters above sea level. The yield of this type of coffee bean is relatively low, about half that of the common coffee tree, which is one of the reasons for its rarity and high price

Grading of Emerald Estate Geisha Coffee Beans

Jade Jade Panama classifies Geisha coffee into three grades based on planting elevation and cupping results:

1. Red Label (bid lot):

1.

1. Red Label (Bid Lot):

- Altitude: 1600-1800 meters
- Cupping score: 90+ points
- Flavor: bright floral and citrus aroma

2. Green Label (Reserve Batch):

- Altitude: 1600-1800 meters
- Flavors: classic floral, fruity and citrus tart aromas, thick and juicy

mouthfeel.

3. Blue Label (Selected Batch):

- In 2021, the Jade was released. -Blue Label has been canceled for Jade Estate in 2021

Various origins of Jade Estate are available.

Geisha coffee of different origins

. Although the Panama Geisha is the best known, it is also grown in other countries:
- Panama Geisha: known for its floral and citrus flavor
- Ethiopia Geisha: peach, orange blossom, melon, and drupe flavors
- Colombia Geisha: a blend with a hint of peach, orange blossom, melon, and stone fruit . - Colombian geisha: known for its floral aroma and bright, lively citrus flavor
- Taiwanese geisha: successfully bred in 2017, with a unique local flavor

Handling of Geisha Coffee Beans

Geisha coffee beans can be processed in different ways, each of which affects the final flavor:
- Solarization: the coffee berries are exposed directly to the sun with the skin and flesh on, for about 9 days
- Washing: the pulp and pectin are removed and dried
- Honey treatment: the pulp is partially removed and the pectin is removed, and the coffee beans are dried - Honey treatment: the pulp is partially removed and the pectin is removed, and the coffee is dried. Honey treatment: partial removal of the pulp and retention of the pectin layer

Value of the geisha coffee bean

The rarity and exceptional quality of geisha coffee often sets records at auctions, and in 2019, a batch of geisha coffee beans sold for $1,029 per pound, setting a record for the most expensive coffee ever sold. The coffee's high value reflects its unique flavor, rarity and difficulty of production.

Concluding remarks

Geisha coffee beans occupy a special place in the world of fine coffee thanks to their unique flavor and rarity. From its accidental discovery in Ethiopia to its successful cultivation in Panama, the story of the Geisha coffee is a legendary one. Whether you're a coffee lover or an industry professional, learning about the history, characteristics and value of the Geisha coffee bean will help you to better appreciate this fascinating coffee variety