GNOSIS OF FIRE, China

Suitable for all brewing methods.

White Chocolate, Hazelnut, Goji Berry

Producer:            Mei Zhao
Farm:                  Xingang Coffee & Tea Estate
Region:               Menglian, Pu'er, Yunnan
Varietal:              Catimor T1575
Processing:        Controlled Fermentation Natural
Altitude:              1,400 - 1,800 MASL

Xingang Tea and Coffee, founded in 2006, is situated in the small town of Fuyan, near the border, approximately 35 kilometres southwest of Menglian County in Pu'er, Yunnan Province, China. Located at an altitude of 1,400 to 1,800 metres, the region enjoys an average annual temperature between 17°C and 20°C, with around 2,000 hours of sunlight and over 1,700 mm of rainfall annually. The area's deep red and crimson soils are particularly suited to coffee cultivation.

The company has successfully engaged 2,700 local farmers in coffee growing and processing through a cooperative initiative. Mei Zhao, the second-generation leader of the business, spent her early years surrounded by coffee plantations, observing her parents reclaiming land and planting coffee. Initially, she distanced herself from the family business, deterred by the physical demands of coffee cultivation and processing, as well as the financial challenges. Instead, she pursued a career in the medical field. However, in 2017, after experiencing an exceptional cup of coffee with a uniquely sweet and sour profile, she became captivated by the potential of the beverage. Motivated by the desire to bring quality coffee to her hometown, Mei made the difficult decision to leave her medical career and return to the family business.

Over the following years, Mei committed herself to learning every aspect of coffee production—from seedling cultivation to harvesting and processing. This dedication has led to significant success, with Xingang Tea and Coffee earning multiple awards at the Best of Yunnan Green Coffee Competition. Looking ahead, Mei Zhao is determined to continue refining coffee planting techniques, green bean processing, and field management, with the goal of elevating Xingang Tea and Coffee’s brand and sharing the exceptional coffee of Yunnan with the world.