Rubra ^TM

F. A. Q.

What does ethical trade mean?

We recognise our responsibility to the people and places who produce our coffee. We make sure our growers receive a fair price for their products; and we promote and reward sustainable practice at every step from the plantation to the cup. We are Rainforest Alliance Certified, Fairtrade Certified and support the Coffee Kids Program.

Where do your beans come from?

We choose our coffees based on quality, from a variety of areas including Central South America, Africa, Timor, Mexico, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and India.

What awards have you won?

In the past 6 years we've won no less than 16 medals at the prestigious Sydney Royal Show.

Where is your tea grown?

All our teas are sourced from the mountainous tea fields of Sri Lanka,Japan,China and India.

Do you sell coffee-making equipment?

We sure do, contact us for details.

Why is coffee blended?

The Master Roaster blends different single origin coffees together to create a blend that has a higher cup quality than any of the ingredients individually. Different single origin coffees are used for qualities such as: body, sweetness, acidity, brightness, balance and aromatics. For example, a Brazil or Colombian coffee may be used for its full body, whereas a Kenyan coffee may be used for its acidity.

What is cupping?

The most important measure of coffee quality is flavour. For that reason, coffees are assessed for taste at every stage of their journey. We call this ‘cupping’, which is a process used to evaluate the coffee objectively against established terminology. The basic attributes evaluated are: aroma, flavour, body and acidity.

Why are there different grinds for espresso and plunger?

When you grind coffee beans, it increase their surface area. So the finer you grind, the faster your coffee will extract. A plunger usually brews for about 3 minutes, so you need a coarse grind. However, an espresso brews in just 30 seconds, so the grind has to be much finer.

Where's the best place to store my coffee?

Coffee is a natural, organic product, so the correct storage is vital to maintain your coffee’s freshness and flavour. It's important to keep your coffee away from excessive air, moisture, heat and light to preserve its fresh-roasted flavour as long as possible.

Each bag is fitted with a zip loc closure and a one-way valve. This allows the coffee to naturally degas, but stops oxygen getting in. Store the bag in a cool, dark area such as a cupboard. Never store coffee in a fridge or freezer as the moisture will cause the beans to deteriorate.

How do I make the perfect cup of coffee?

We can show you how to do that. Just come along to one of our training courses. You can find out more about them here.