What is ZEO coffee?

Nestled in the verdant heart of Cauca, Colombia, lies a coffee paradise unlike any other. Here, dreams aren’t merely imagined, they’re lived. It’s a realm where limitations don’t exist and where rules are not just bent, but completely rewritten. A domain where the bold can redefine the possible and etch their visions into the essence of reality. This place, is Finca El Paraiso.

Steered by visionary producer Diego Bermudez, Finca El Paraiso stands as a testament to innovative coffee cultivation and groundbreaking practices. Diego, renowned for his pioneering methods, has transformed this coffee farm into a beacon of excellence within the industry.

Under his guidance, the farm introduces unprecedented processing techniques, agronomic practices, and technological advancements, reshaping our understanding of what coffee can be.

Among Diego’s array of celebrated innovations – including his Thermo Shock processing technique, the 720-hour washed Geisha, award-winning profiles like Luna and Letty, and pioneering CBD-infused coffees – one invention stands paramount: Zeo. This method, so revolutionary, bears no resemblance to any previously seen technique, marking a significant leap forward in coffee production and processing.

In late 2023, we had the unique opportunity to visit Finca El Paraiso and spend time with Diego Bermudez himself, diving deep into the heart of this cutting-edge technique

So what is Zeo?

To grasp the essence of Zeo, let’s zoom out for a broader view. At its core, Zeo represents an innovative leap in coffee processing techniques. For those unfamiliar with the term, processing in the coffee world refers to the steps taken to prepare coffee cherries for roasting, a crucial phase that typically involves separating the seed (or bean) from the cherry and drying it—a process that traditionally spans 3 to 4 weeks. While methods like washed or natural processing are common, recent years have seen producers experimenting with novel approaches, some of which refine existing techniques, while others, like Zeo, are completely revolutionary.

Zeo derives its name from zeolites, microporous minerals known for their adsorption and catalytic abilities. Chances are, you’ve encountered zeolites before; they’re the desiccant beads in the small sachets found with new shoes or electronics, tasked with moisture control. Thanks to their crystalline structure, which features a maze of tunnels and cages, zeolites excel in selectively capturing water molecules, positioning them as a powerful tool in purification and separation tasks. Originating from volcanic ash’s interaction with alkaline water, zeolites can be naturally occurring or synthetically produced for specific uses. Diego’s groundbreaking application of zeolites in coffee processing has aptly been named Zeo.

how does all this create a processing method?

Employing a trio of tools—a dryer, a vacuum pump, and zeolites—Diego’s technique is a departure from anything previously seen in coffee processing. The dryer, lined with zeolites, not only circulates air but also leverages these minerals’ moisture-absorbing capabilities, while the vacuum pump simulates the oxygen-sparse conditions of outer space, remarkably without generating heat.

This method allows for the complete drying of coffee cherries in under 8 hours post-harvest, bypassing the need for heat and dramatically reducing drying time compared to both traditional and mechanical methods, which generally require 12 to 16 hours at minimum. This efficiency and the unique conditions under which the cherries are processed are what make Diego’s ZeoDry technology a groundbreaking achievement in the coffee industry.

but what sets DIEgo’s zeo method apart?

The Zeo process distinguishes itself in several key aspects, particularly in the drying environment it creates for the cherries. Traditional drying techniques often rely on varying degrees of fermentation, a process that breaks down organic molecules within the coffee cherry. This natural breakdown, however, leaves the cherries vulnerable to issues like mould and rot, which can adversely affect flavour. In stark contrast, the Zeo method dehumidifies the air, significantly reducing the likelihood of bacterial growth. Moreover, by creating a vacuum that removes oxygen, Zeo effectively prevents any possibility of fermentation. This innovative approach not only safeguards the cherries against common threats but also ensures a purer, more controlled processing environment, directly influencing the final coffee’s quality and taste.

Furthermore, the advanced ZeoDry technology doesn’t just preserve the coffee’s active compounds—it amplifies them. This includes the preservation of heat-sensitive vitamins and antioxidants, crucial for the coffee’s health benefits and flavour profile. As a result, the intrinsic organoleptic qualities of the coffee cherry; such as flavour, aroma, and colour, are completely maintained. This meticulous preservation also increases solubility, further ensuring that the coffee’s natural characteristics are not altered, providing a superior sensory experience.

Interesting! How does it translate in the cup?

Thanks to these unique processing attributes, coffee processed via the Zeo method boasts a flavour profile that is unparalleled. We’ve come to recognise it as the cleanest, smoothest, and most authentic expression of coffee that we’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting. Drinking it evokes the sensation of consuming a fresh coffee cherry directly from the tree, with its vibrant sweetness and soft, fruity nuances.

Moreover, Zeo’s precision in processing accentuates the coffee’s inherent diversity and the influence of its terroir, allowing the distinctive flavours and attributes of each cherry variety to be fully expressed and appreciated in every cup.

The crown jewel of the Zeo collection is their Red Geisha varietal, which we’ve excitedly purchased and made available for you. It epitomises the ultimate expression of both the variety and its cultivation environment, offering an unparalleled tasting experience that beautifully encapsulates the essence of its origin.

Where Can i get some?

We’ve got you covered. Follow think link to try this remarkable coffee!