Brazil Mantiqueira de Minas Natural Yellow Bourbon

Some of my favorite people

For the last two Tuesdays I got to experience something new, and drive my son to sailing lessons with his class. They went to the Sacramento State Aquatic Center, on Lake Natoma, just below Folsom Lake, and before the Nimbus Fish Hatchery on the American River. It is open to the public, and has all kids of water sports available, including kayak and sailing rentals. There is also access to the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, which runs along the American River from Folsom to Old Sacramento.

I was working late today, and my kids went with Trace and had the delight of choosing chicks at our local feed store. My phone started pinging with pictures of chicks, of all sorts, being held by happy children. I think these may end up more pets than anything else, although I am looking forward to fresh eggs. They also came home with two goslings, which are as cute as could be. The goslings seem to love being held: they were crawling over all of us, and one even fell asleep in my lap.

Goslings!

I also had a delightful visit with Dave, Becky, Archie and Lucy. It’s no wonder I’m finishing this newsletter late: I’ve had a day full of my favorite people. It is so fun to have two little ones at the store. Lucy sleeps, like a newborn, and Archie seems to enjoy being at the store again after a two week break.

This week we have a new coffee for you, a special bean from Brazil. This comes from Mantequeira de Minas, a protected designation of origin (PDO) within the state of Minas Gerais in the southeastern part of Brazil. The designation was given because of its reputation for exceptional coffee, and the excellent growing conditions.

This particular bean comes from family owned farms, organized through a co-op, and it is a yellow bourbon, meaning that the cherry ripens to yellow instead of the usual red. Brazil is a large country, and know for large scale production that uses mechanized processing. In Mantiqueira de Minas, (source: Royal Coffee) almost 90% of the producers are considered small producers. This is unique in Brazil.

In the cup this is a sweet with a bit of fruit flavor–probably because of the natural processing, meaning that it is dried with the fruit still intact. It’s easy to drink, and kept me going all day. You can try a cup on us this week with the code goslings*. If you’re looking for me this week, I’ll be the lady holding a gosling or a chick. It might be the most stress releasing thing that you can do. Have a good week, and drink good coffee. Cheers!
–Holly Fike

*Code good for one free 12 ounce cup of Brazil Mantiqueira de Minas Natural. Code expires on 04.19.18. Limit one free cup per customer please. Valid only at Carolines Coffee Roasters, 128 S. Auburn Street, Grass Valley, CA. Code/Offer has no cash value.