Timor-Leste Green Coffee

Timor coffee stands out for its remarkable diversity and complexity, offering a wide range of flavour profiles that vary across different lots within the country. This is one of the key reasons why coffee from Timor-Leste is so beloved by coffee enthusiasts worldwide. Timor coffees often boast a vibrant mix of tasting notes, which can include bright citrus, juicy berries, and rich stone fruits, accompanied by delicate floral aromas. Beneath these lively flavours, you'll often find subtle nutty undertones and, in some cases, earthy, herbal notes. Some Timor coffees also reveal deeper flavours of chocolate and spices, creating a beautifully layered cup. The ability to explore such a broad spectrum of flavours makes Timor coffee truly unique and special.

The history of coffee in Timor-Leste dates back to the 1800s when it was first introduced during the Portuguese colonial period. However, coffee cultivation didn’t take off in a major way until the 1970s, when the region was under Indonesian control. Despite some interest in coffee production, it remained relatively small-scale for much of the 20th century. In recent years, however, Timor-Leste’s coffee industry has experienced significant growth and recognition. Today, Timor-Leste's coffee is highly valued in the specialty coffee world, with many roasters and coffee lovers praising the distinctive and diverse flavours of beans from this region. The country's coffee industry is now on an upward trajectory, with great potential for continued growth and innovation in the future.

The Timor-Hybrid is a fascinating and unique coffee varietal that has its roots in Timor-Leste. It’s a cross between Arabica and Robusta, combining the best qualities of both species. While Robusta is known for its bold, deep flavours, the Timor-Hybrid balances these with the lighter, more nuanced characteristics of Arabica. This hybrid creates a coffee with a smooth, creamy body and a low acidity, making it incredibly approachable for a wide range of coffee drinkers. Tasting notes commonly include brown sugar, chocolate, and a pleasing earthy undertone. The Timor-Hybrid is particularly intriguing to coffee scientists and botanists because of its hybrid nature, and it continues to be studied for its potential to improve coffee production worldwide. For coffee lovers, it offers a distinct cup that blends the richness of Robusta with the smoothness of Arabica, making it a unique experience in every sip.

We source our coffee from Timor-Leste through our trusted partner, Karst Organics. Karst is a relationship-driven green bean exporter dedicated to connecting the coffee farmers of Timor-Leste with specialty roasters like us. Their approach goes far beyond simple transactions—Karst spends half of each year in Timor-Leste, immersing themselves in the communities and spending the entire harvest season in the mountains of Letefoho, where they work closely with local farmers across 144 households.

This deep, hands-on involvement allows Karst to build strong, transparent relationships with the farmers, gaining a true understanding of their culture, language, and expectations. Karst's commitment to long-term partnerships means they provide direct support to farmers through investments in farm infrastructure, specialised training in processing specialty coffee, and hands-on assistance during crucial stages of the harvest. This collaborative approach ensures that the coffee we source is not only of the highest quality but also ethically and sustainably produced, benefiting both the farmers and the wider community.