Shade, altitude, and ripening speed
Why the same variety tastes different 300 metres apart.
Two clocks
Altitude slows ripening by lowering night temperature. Shade slows it by reducing sunlight. Both give the bean more time to accumulate sugar, but they do not give the same cup.
Altitudes produce density and acidity; shade produces size and roundness.
Altitude is a number. Shade is a decision.
The practical read
A Dongshan coffee grown under longan and a Gukeng coffee at the same altitude will differ more than two Gukeng lots 200 metres apart.
When a label says 'shade grown', ask what tree. Longan, betel palm, and banana each change the cup differently.
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