Tanzania Peaberry Plus Washed 2026

Tanzania PB Plus

Tanzania PB Plus is sourced from both the Northern and Southern coffee-growing regions of the country, where altitudes range from 1350–1850 masl in the North and 1200–1700 masl in the South. These regions produce coffee on fertile soils with reliable rainfall and cool temperatures that support slow cherry development and high cup quality.

Most coffee comes from smallholder farmers, typically with an average of 1 - 2 hectares, as well as private estates. Smallholders deliver their cherries through AMCOS groups or process them at home using hand pulpers. Tanzania’s network of AMCOS plays an essential role in organizing farmers, providing centralized processing, and connecting parchment to mills before it enters the auction or direct market.

Peaberry Coffee from Tanzania

Peaberry (PB) coffee forms when a single round seed develops inside the cherry instead of the usual two. These beans are denser and more spherical, appearing in only a small percentage of the harvest. Tanzania’s PB grade is highly regarded, and this lot combines peaberries from both Northern and Southern suppliers.

Washed Coffee Processing at CPUs & Homes

For AMCOS groups, cherries are delivered the same day to a Coffee Processing Unit (CPU), where they are inspected, sorted, and pulped immediately. The pulped coffee is fermented in tanks for up to 72 hours, depending on temperature and condition. After fermentation, the coffee is washed with clean water and dried on raised beds for up to 14 days.

For home processing, farmers use hand pulpers to depulp cherries on the farm. The coffee then ferments for up to 72 hours, is washed, and dried on raised beds for 10-14 days before being delivered to AMCOS collection centers. All parchment is ultimately transported to a dry mill for storage, grading, and preparation for export.

How Is Tanzania Green Coffee Graded?

Tanzania uses a grading system similar to its East African neighbors, based primarily on bean size and density. Grades include AA (screen 17/18), AB (15/16), C (14/15), and PB for peaberry. PB stands apart as a unique classification representing round, single-seed beans sorted out from the rest of the crop.

Tanzanian Coffee Growing Regions

The Northern regions - including areas near Mount Kilimanjaro - benefit from high-altitude volcanic soils and cool climates that contribute to excellent cup quality. In the South, regions such as Mbeya offer strong forest cover, good rainfall from November to May, and favorable temperatures that support healthy coffee production. Together, these zones produce some of the country’s most balanced and flavorful washed coffees.

Tanzanian Green Coffee Bean Production

Tanzania has all of the potential in the world. It is one of the largest countries in Africa by area, and its annual Arabica production rivals its better-known neighbor, Kenya. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) predicts that Tanzania’s green coffee production will grow at one of the world’s fastest rates, but hurdles such as supply chain complexity could slow things down. Learn more in our Tanzanian Green Coffee Origin Report.