Over the weekend, I popped into Menlyn Park to check out the activation for Nespresso’s latest offering: their new Master Origin range of coffees. This finely crafted range of coffees include five distinct coffee sensations all inspired by the land from which they originate: Indonesia, India, Colombia, Ethiopia and Nicaragua.

What makes these coffees so special are the lengths that these farmers go to in order to produce an exceptional coffee blend, through rigorous and unique processes. By partnering with master craftsmen, Nespresso uses a mix of traditional, new and adapted methods to produce five distinct and original coffees. Through collaborating with the local farmers, Nespresso had one goal in mind: utilising innovative and demanding farming practices to craft incredible new coffee aromas and tastes.

I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to sample coffees from countries I hadn’t even considered. Of all the coffees I tried, Master Origin Ethiopia was my favourite. This fruity, floral and bright coffee was complex and decadent and not too strong – just how I like it. Over and above the taste, I am totally in awe of the care and commitment that Ethiopian farmers exercise to make this coffee.

This Ethiopian Arabica’s orange blossom aroma comes from a sun-dried process that Ethiopian farmers have been using for centuries. For up to four weeks, the sun shines down on the Arabica coffee as the farmers carefully hand-turn it at regular intervals to ensure it dries evenly. Getting it just right means layers of sweetness and the ripe fruit flavours seep into the heart of those Ethiopian coffee beans.

For those of you looking to sample the coffees, Nespresso will be hosting activations all across Johannesburg and Pretoria malls for the months of October and November. To celebrate these unique process and coffee profiles, Nespresso has also teamed up with J’Something to create five signature recipes for each of the coffees.

Check out the Master Origin Ethiopia recipe below – a custardy, citrusy cup of deliciousness that tastes like Christmas:

Citrus Egg Coffee – Serves 1

1 capsule, Nespresso Master Origin Ethiopia brewed as a lungo
20ml freshly squeezed orange juice
50ml sugar
50ml water
1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons condensed milk

1. Put sugar, water and orange juice into a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for 10 minutes until a syrup forms. Remove from heat.
3. Brew the coffee.
4. Put the egg yolk and 2 teaspoons of the condensed milk into a small deep bowl and whisk together until frothy.
5. Add a tablespoon of the brewed coffee and whisk it into the mixture.
6. Pour the remaining brewed coffee into a lungo coffee mug, add a teaspoon of orange syrup and stir.
7. Add the frothy egg mixture on top and serve. ENJOY!