10 years ago we rescued a 1955 cast-iron Probat roaster in a state of disrepair. We lovingly restored her back to life and named her Betty. 2020 marks 10 years of Betty. 10 years of restoration, of built not bought.

How better to mark this 10 year anniversary than with a special edition coffee?

80% of Extract’s coffee is roasted by women, but female coffee farmers remain a rarity. For our Betty Espresso, the supply chain is run entirely by women from crop to cup.

Here are their stories:

After Epiphanie Mukashyaka was widowed during the 1994 Rwandan genocide she rebuilt her family’s small coffee farm and with it the local community. In 2003 she founded Buf Café. She now runs three washing stations, processing coffees from neighbouring farms and inspiring other female entrepreneurs in Rwanda’s coffee sector.

The level of care that Epiphanie takes over the processing of her coffee is impressive. Cherries are hand-picked only when fully ripe and then pulped that same evening. After pulping, the coffee is fermented overnight then dried.

The second coffee, Peru La Osa, meaning “The female bear”, is grown by Magdalena Lopez and Fredesvinda Granda. A microclimate between the western and eastern ranges of the Andes creates perfect coffee growing conditions and a haven for wildlife such as jaguars! Farms follow organic practices to promote a culture of wildlife protection in grower communities.

Frontera San Ignacio Cooperative gives Magdalenda and Fredesvinda resources & financial support to increase coffee quality and encourage innovation – such as this honey process. This particular lot was a one off, we loved it so much when we tried it, we bought the entire harvest.

The resulting coffee is a rich and fruity espresso with the acidity of soured cherries and the sweetness of chocolate bourbon biscuits. Delicious both black and with milk.

Read more on our blog