What is cupping?

Cupping is the industry term used for the process of analyzing a coffee based on its sensory qualities – for example, its aromas and flavors. For our cuppings at Equal Exchange, roasted samples of coffee are divided into six different glasses of equal amount and grind size, steeped with hot water (198 to 205 degrees), and slurped (or aspirated) from a spoon for about 35 minutes.



Aspiration is the process of slurping a beverage across the tongue with force, in a… Continue

Tanzania produces between 30-40,000 metric tons of coffee per year (70% Arabica, 30% Robusta). The three main Arabica growing regions are in the North/Kilimanjaro, Mbeya and the Matengo Highlands (Mbinga). Other Arabica areas include the Usambara Mountains, Iringa, Morogoro, Kigoma and Ngara. Robusta coffee is grown mainly in the Kagera region around Bukoba.



More than 90% of Tanzania's coffee is produced by 400,000 smallholder farmers. Larger estates are found in Arusha, Kilimanjaro… Continue