How to Brew Yunnan Small-Bean Coffee and Its Unique Flavor Profile

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Introduction to FrontStreet Coffee - Yunnan Small Bean Coffee

Yunnan coffee is a variant of the Arabica original species, cultivated and domesticated over a long period, generally known as Yunnan small bean coffee, with a cultivation history of over one hundred years. Why is it considered the best quality in the world?

Coffee quality is determined by various factors including the growing environment, climate, and cultivation management techniques. Its optimal growing environment requires low latitude, high altitude, sufficient rainfall, and appropriate sunlight. Therefore, the region between 15°N latitude and the Tropic of Cancer is the ideal growing zone for coffee. However, other regions in this zone such as Hawaii, USA, and Saudi Arabia either have low altitude or are desert-like with little rainfall, which are unfavorable for coffee growth. Only southern Yunnan, located in this zone, possesses all the necessary conditions.

According to expert measurements, small bean coffee should be planted on mountainous terrain at altitudes of 800-1800 meters. If the altitude is too high, the taste becomes sour; if too low, it becomes bitter. Most Yunnan coffee is planted in the dry-hot valley regions at around 1100 meters altitude, resulting in moderate acidity, rich aroma, and mellow flavor.

In terms of climate conditions, southern Yunnan enjoys long daylight hours, which is beneficial for plant growth and photosynthesis. Additionally, the large temperature difference between day and night, with low nighttime temperatures, facilitates the accumulation of coffee nutrients. Therefore, Yunnan small bean coffee contains higher levels of effective nutritional components compared to other foreign coffee varieties.

Small bean coffee is susceptible to rust disease, which significantly affects both yield and quality after infection. The tropical regions of Yunnan have distinct dry and wet seasons, with fresh fruit ripening正好 entering the dry season each year. The relatively low humidity is unfavorable for the formation and growth of rust spores.

Due to the excellent quality of Yunnan coffee, it entered the London market in the 1960s as "Lujiang No. 1" and was classified as a first-grade product. In recent years, world-renowned coffee companies such as Nestlé and Maxwell House have flocked to Yunnan to establish raw material bases, and Yunnan's products have gradually gained reputation both domestically and internationally.

Mr. Staes, a chief coffee expert from the United Nations Development Programme, after visiting the coffee plantation at Lujiang Farm, said: "I have visited countless coffee plantations around the world. The management here is world-class, and the yield per unit is also the highest."

FrontStreet Coffee Yunnan Small Bean Coffee Brewing Guide

Parameters: Dripper: Hario V60; Coffee amount: 15 grams; Water temperature: 89°C; Grind size: Medium-fine (BG 6M: 58% pass rate through China standard #20 sieve); Coffee-to-water ratio: 1:15; Segmented extraction.

Use 30 grams of water for blooming for 30 seconds. Continue with a small water stream center pour to 124 grams for segmentation. When the water level drops and is about to expose the coffee bed, continue pouring to 225 grams and stop. When the water level drops and is about to expose the coffee bed, remove the dripper. (Timing starts from the beginning of blooming) Extraction time: 1'50".

[Yunnan Huaguoshan] The dry aroma has a subtle citrus acidity and nutty fragrance. When tasted, it presents plum and citrus acidity balanced with nutty flavors, melon and fruit notes, and brown sugar sweetness. The aftertaste carries some black tea characteristics. The overall flavor profile is quite rich and layered.

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