The three-acre coffee farm of Sítio Maranhão is nestled in the mountains of a volcanic belt that covers almost the entire region of Caldas. It is distinguished by high altitudes, mild climate, and dense flora, all of which provide excellent conditions for the production of specialty coffees.
Edivair José Carvalho began his coffee career working for other producers in the region where he used to live. His brothers, Edir and Edenilson, who were also in the coffee-growing business, suggested that the three brothers work together. Soon after Edivair married Luciane, they both moved to Cabo Verde, a small town near Caldas, where they lived for 15 years. But Luciane missed her hometown of Caldas deeply and always thought of returning to be closer to her family. Edivair bought Sítio Maranhão, in Caldas, in 2008, and eventually, they finally decided to move there in 2013.
The yellow Catuaí is very popular due to its resistance to rust and other diseases, good yield, and rich flavours. The coffees at Sítio Maranhão are 100% hand-picked. Harvest season is between July and September, and the coffee is processed naturally, dried on a concrete patio, while the nano lots are taken to a small suspended bed. The cherries are taken to a large tank and immersed in water. Edivair and Luciane use a wide sieve to separate the dried-on-tree cherries from the ripe and juicy ones that sink. It’s the same process that mechanical stations use, but here it is done manually, with lots separated by maturation stage, variety, and plot.
Sítio Maranhão is a small farm. Its preserved area is already rich in native trees, surrounded by a very well-maintained forest area. Edivair has also spent some time setting up a garden with more trees and flowers right next to the suspended bed. This will not only contribute to the ecosystem, but also to the flavour profile of the coffees.
