Brazil

Caixa De Frutas

Espresso • Sweet & chocolaty

Ripe fruits sweetness with creamy notes of milk chocolate and roasted hazelnut.

€12,90
€64,50/kg
Tax included.
Size

Producer Cocatrel Cooperative

Region Tres Pontas, Sul De Minas

Altitude 900–1100 MASL

Variety Mixed

Process Natural

Natural process

The cherries are dried in 1-meter deep static boxes, each capable of holding 15000 litres of cherry, equivalent to 25-30 bags of green coffee. The boxes have a vented grill at the bottom to allow air circulation from below up through the drying coffee. Two thermometers at different depths ensure a safe temperature consistently below 40°C. The term “static" is used because the coffee remains in the boxes and isn't turned or rotated during drying. After drying, the coffee rests for approximately 1-2 weeks before milling. This approach has produced more fruity and prominent profiles than the usual profile associated with Brazil's natural coffee.

Espresso Recipe

  • Dose 17 g
  • Water Temperature 94°C
  • Yield 38–40 g
  • Total Brew Time 30–32 sec
  • TDS 10.00 %
  • Extraction Yield 22.35 %

Pro Tips

  1. Grind Size: A finer grind increases extraction, intensifying flavour and strength. Too fine can lead to over-extraction and bitterness, while too coarse can result in under-extraction and sourness.
  2. Temperature: Higher temperatures enhance acidity, while lower temperatures reduce acidity, highlight sweetness, and minimize bitterness.
  3. Brew Ratio & Yield: To increase strength (viscosity), use a higher dose, a finer grind, or a shorter brew time. For clarity and brightness, adjust for a longer ratio or slightly coarser grind.
  4. Solubility: Light roasts require a finer grind and/or higher temperature to extract flavours fully. Medium-dark roasts extract more easily and may benefit from a slightly coarser grind and/or lower temperature.
Farm story

The Cocatrel Cooperative

The Cocatrel Cooperative was founded in 1961 in Três Pontas, Brazil, and has since grown to become the country’s second-largest cooperative. Today, it represents over 6,000 members and operates 11 regional buying stations. Every coffee delivery is electronically tagged with a unique QR code, ensuring full traceability so growers can track their coffee throughout the supply chain. Notably, more than 50% of Cocatrel’s members cultivate coffee on farms smaller than 10 hectares, highlighting the cooperative’s support for smallholder producers.

One of these exceptional offerings is Caixa de Frutas, meaning “Box of Fruits.” This blend is sourced primarily from the Carmo de Cachoeira region and is carefully selected for its red fruit notes and creamy milk chocolate profile. The Cocatrel Direct Lab team evaluates and assigns coffees to this blend, ensuring they score 83+ on the cupping scale and maintain a clean, high-quality profile.

A defining feature of this coffee is its unique drying method. Every lot in this blend is dried in static boxes—1-meter-deep containers that hold up to 15,000 liters of cherries, equivalent to 25–30 bags of green coffee. These boxes feature a vented grill at the bottom, allowing air to circulate from below to ensure controlled, even drying. Two thermometers placed at different depths monitor the temperature, which is carefully maintained below 40°C to protect the coffee’s integrity. The process is called "static" because the coffee remains undisturbed throughout drying, without turning or rotation.

Cocatrel Cooperative supports 6,000+ farmers and produces Caixa de Frutas, a fruity, traceable coffee dried using innovative static box technology.

Coffee region

Sul de Minas

Sul de Minas is one of Brazil’s key coffee-growing regions, known for its hills, mild weather, and ideal altitude for coffee cultivation. Located in southern Minas Gerais, it features elevations between 850 and 1,300 meters, which helps coffee cherries ripen evenly. This area has a long history of coffee production, contributing significantly to Brazil's Arabica coffee supply through thousands of small and medium-sized farms.

The coffee from Sul de Minas is famous for its smooth, balanced, and sweet taste. Depending on the processing method, it often features flavours like milk chocolate, caramel, nuts, and various fruits. The region's rich soil and stable climate ensure consistent flavours that appeal to many coffee drinkers. Some coffees from higher altitudes may display more complex flavours and floral notes.

What sets Sul de Minas apart is the combination of small and more significant farms focusing on quality and innovation. Many producers have adopted modern processing techniques, such as pulped natural and anaerobic fermentation, to create unique flavours. Cooperatives in the area also support farmers with technical assistance and better infrastructure, enhancing the region's coffee quality while promoting sustainability.

Sul de Minas plays an essential role in Brazil's coffee industry, helping maintain the country’s status as the world’s largest coffee producer. Its dedication to quality ensures that Brazilian coffee remains competitive in the global specialty market. Whether as blends or single-origin coffees, Sul de Minas coffee is celebrated for its exceptional characteristics.

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