China — Olina Cai Project One Light Catimor (Yeast Anaerobic Natural)
Tastes Like — 🍵 Pu'er • 🍑 Peach Candy • 🌸 Jasmine Milk Tea
DETAILS
- Producer: Olina Cai, Project One Light
- Farm: Project One Light Processing Site
- Region: Yunnan, China
- Varietal: Catimor
- Process: Yeast Anaerobic Natural
- Altitude: 1300–1500 masl
- Size: 8oz / 227g
INTRO
An intriguing example of the care and experimentation happening in Yunnan. Produced by Olina Cai at Project One Light, this coffee highlights their work with yeast-inoculated fermentations and evolving fermentation protocols. The name Peach Oolong suits it well. The cup opens with earthy pu'er or red tea depth often associated with Catimors from Yunnan. That base note gives way to distinct peach candy sweetness, reminiscent of peach syrup in boba tea. Jasmine florals and a soft hint of milkiness round it out, bringing to mind a layered, sweetened tea drink.
THE PRODUCER
Founded in 2020 in the heart of Mangshi, Yunnan, China, Project One Light is a specialty coffee processing project led by Olina Cai, a local with deep roots in the coffee and tea industry. Her team includes Q-graders and processing experts who prioritise ethics, environmental care, and quality at every step. The project represents the evolving landscape of specialty coffee in Yunnan, combining traditional knowledge with experimental processing techniques to showcase the region's potential.
THE PROCESS
The Yeast Anaerobic Natural process involves multiple careful stages:
- 🍒 Selection — Peak ripeness cherries, double floated for consistency and stable sugar content
- 🧬 Enzymatic Hydrolysis — Breaks down pectin layer to facilitate fermentation
- 🔬 Yeast Inoculation — Specialised yeast introduced to cherries
- 🫙 Anaerobic Fermentation — 10–15 days in airtight containers
- ☀️ Drying — 15–22 days
This intentional and expressive approach creates a layered processing showcase.
THE CUP
Opens with earthy pu'er or red tea depth. That base note gives way to distinct peach candy sweetness, reminiscent of peach syrup in boba tea. Jasmine florals and a soft hint of milkiness round it out. A layered and playful coffee that stays interesting from start to finish.
Flavour Notes
- 🍵 Pu'er
- 🍑 Peach Candy
- 🌸 Jasmine Milk Tea
We recommend brewing with beans that are at least two weeks off roast. All beans are roasted to peak flavour at around 8-12 weeks. We have the option to either purchase standard beans (at least 2 weeks but no longer than 6 weeks off roast), or rested beans (at least 7 weeks off roast, no longer than 12). For peak flavour, if you are looking to use immediately, we recommend purchasing the rested beans. If you are adding to your rotation of beans, we recommend purchasing the standard and allowing the beans to naturally rest and mature whilst you rotate through other beans.
