introduction:
I ordered a bag of coffee and it was amazing... I went back to order it again, but it was "unavailable"!
Why? Did they stop production? Did the roaster change it?
The answer is often: because it is a seasonal crop.
In the world of specialty coffee, many crops aren't available year-round—and that's not a disadvantage, it's an advantage . Let's explain why.
1. What does “seasonal crop” mean?
☕ It is a coffee that is planted and harvested once a year in a specific season, according to:
- Breed type
- agricultural area
- Weather and climate conditions
🎯 Like a mango or a pomegranate — it has its time, and disappears the rest of the year.
2. Why does it disappear?
✅ Because:
- Fully harvested
- The quantity was consumed from the roaster.
- The next crop has not arrived yet
- Or the quality changed in the following year
🎯 The goal is not continuity... but quality.
Roasters buy a limited amount of the crops that are actually worth it.
3. Why are these crops “popular” even though they are temporary?
Because it is often:
- Its flavor is distinctive and rare
- Its seasonal quality is very high.
- It doesn't taste the same every year.
💎 Some crops come from Microlots (small farms or private batches), which are quickly gone.
4. Examples from INGO of seasonal crops that have disappeared:
🟠 Ethiopia Bombe – Volume Roastery
- A distinctive seasonal batch with a strawberry and floral flavor, finished within weeks.
🟣 Panama Hartmann – Nozori Roastery
- Very small batch of highly aromatic geisha, available for a short period
5. When do you buy seasonal produce?
✅ As soon as it becomes available
✅ If you are curious about the flavor
✅ If you see "seasonal" or "limited quantity" written
✅ And if you really like it? Buy an extra bag (for proper storage 👌)
✅ Conclusion:
The seasonal harvest is not a "shortage", but a rare opportunity to taste exceptional flavors.
If you see a seasonal offering, don't hesitate. Because tomorrow, it could just be a beautiful memory.
👉 Discover INGO's current seasonal crops