Old books paved way for coffee farm

Published Jun 21, 2009

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When the James family decided they wanted to begin coffee farming there was little information on hand to help them get started.

It was by chance that they heard of the Nelspruit Institute for tropical and sub-tropical fruit and with its help and some old books they began sowing seeds in Assagay in 1992.

By 2003 they had outgrown the farm and moved to Cato Ridge. Assagay Coffee Farm, as it is called, is home to 30 000 coffee trees today - 20 000 bearing a yield of 10 tons.

They supply major grocery store chains but the real thrill of it is having owners Rick and Lesley James take you on a tour of the farm and explain the coffee harvesting process before sitting down to some good home-brewed coffee.

Hand-picking the red berries is usually done between June and October.

Machinery the family luckily secured ensures that skins are removed so the berries may ferment for two days, be washed and dried in the sun for up to three weeks before the shells can be removed and the beans graded. It's fascinating to see the yellow pea-like bean take on its rich colour once roasted at about 280ºC.

As a KZN coffee it definitely has its own unique flavour. Rick says the coffee is appreciated for its fresh flavour and the fact that it is low in acid.

There is soon to be a coffee shop and barista training centre on site. For now you can sign up for tours privately, in clubs, school or social groups.

- The number to call is 031 782 1268. Note, however, that there is a dirt road, not for newly washed cars.

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