Page 53 - Tropic Magazine Issue 36

TROPIC • COFFEE

1, 3-4. Images by Josh Robenstone
2. Image by Amanda De Simone

There's huge demand for Australian coffee
but our growers can't supply enough!
While 75% of the Australian population drinks coffee,
homegrown coffee accounts for less than 1% of all
coffee consumed in Australia.

Australian farmers produce about 600 tonnes
of dry green beans annually, which is
supplemented by 80,000 tonnes of imports.

3
Sources: Australian Specialty Coffee, Australian Subtropical Coffee associations

1

4

Who was Jack Murat?

2 Hymet Murat’s story is an often-
Add fertile volcanic soils into the mix and former Head Roaster at the acclaimed shared Australian experience.
the outcome is a taste sensation. Sydney café, Reuben Hills. In this case, a young man who sought
“Jack Murat showcases flavours of “Nic shares our passion for bringing a opportunity found it in the fields of
stone fruits, honey, maple, bright citrus new standard to Australian coffee,” North Queensland. Hymet was born in
and smooth milk chocolate to create a Jemal said. “He lends his craft to our Albania, a nation stricken by hardship
well-rounded and balanced cup,” Jemal project to ensure the highest quality and repression. As a 16-year-old
said. “Each harvest adds nuances, so the standards and best showcasing in 1929, he packed up his meagre
roasting process is curated and tailored to for our coffee.” belongings for an intrepid one-way
suit the harvest for the specific year. Through real farmers, real work and real journey to Australia. On arrival, he
“Part of the excitement of being a passion, the end result is delectable coffee became known as Jack. Initially, he
producer and drinker is each year’s made with pride. forged a livelihood chopping wood
harvest will experience nuanced shifts before saving enough money to buy
in flavours.” his first farm. It’s grown cane and
The family is committed to the process corn and is now home to the family’s
from beginning to end, from sustainable Grab a bag coffee plot.
farming practices to the crème de la Fresh in the Village is the exclusive
crème of roasting. The latter is performed Cairns stockist. MORE: jackmurat.com
by Nic Theodore, founder of iRoast and GO THERE: 137 Collins Ave, Edge Hill

53 • tropicnow.com.au