Zuri Blend: A celebration of East Africa’s finest coffee beans

Swahili for ‘beautiful’, our Zuri blend is a celebration of the exquisite flavours of East Africa, the ancestral home of coffee.

Awaken your senses to the delicately balanced flavours of dark honey, raspberry, and orange zest in this medium-bodied coffee that showcases the best of the African continent.

This exceptional blend intertwines the flavours of Ethiopian and Kenyan coffee with the distinct qualities of beans from Zambia and Rwanda.

Zuri’s exotic origins can be traced back to Ethiopia, the birthplace of the coffee plant many centuries ago and where the cultivation of Arabica coffee beans first began.

It takes you to a place where culture and custom dictate that each day starts with a traditionally mild-roasted coffee.

From the heart of East Africa: Tracing the roots of Zuri Blend

East Africa is the ancestral home of coffee, where it grows wild in the hills. Beans from this area are complex and dense, with a range of flavours from sweet berry to rich chocolate and bright citrus. Ethiopia coffee goes exceptionally well with Kenya coffee, blended with Zambia and Rwanda coffee beans – all high-quality 100% Arabica coffee beans.

Ethiopian coffee is grown at a very high altitude, between 1450-2050 meters above sea level, which gives it concentrated flavours not found in lower altitudes. As Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, many varieties of coffee beans have evolved there. For our Zuri blend, we use Heirloom for its floral overtones.

Zambia was introduced to coffee by missionaries in the 1950s. While being a late starter to coffee production, Zambia is known for exclusively growing high-quality arabica plants. The varied selection of arabica coffee beans grown between 1300-1400 meters above sea level provide full-bodied coffees with fruit notes.

Coffee plants were introduced to Rwanda in the early 20th century, where the Caturra, Catuai and Bourbon varietals are cultivated at a high altitude of 1600-1700 metres above sea level. Beans grown at these altitudes are sought after as they’re dense with more complex flavours. These coffee beans are known for their high acidity and silky texture and blend beautifully with Ethiopian coffee and Kenyan coffee.

Kenya coffee beans have been around for centuries and are grown at an altitude of 1200-1700 meters above sea level. The SL28 and SL34 cultivars forming part of this signature blend are known for their exceptional quality and are higly sought after. We’ve added the hardy Ruiru 11 variety, a smaller plant developed in the 1970s, to enhance the blend of the Kenyan coffee beans.

The complex flavours from each of these East African countries combine to provide a truly delightful coffee experience.

Indulge in Zuri, any way you like it

There are many ways to enjoy Zuri coffee at home. Brewed as a traditional espresso, Zuri coffee offers a delicious blend of flavours with berry notes and refreshing zesty orange acidity. The roasted coffee beans are perfect with your home espresso machine.

Experience a new dimension of authentic African flavours when you make a milk coffee. Each sip provides a well-rounded cashew flavour with a rich molasses sweetness.

Or you may prefer to brew your coffee with a plunger, stovetop, the convenience of a drip coffee maker, or the versatility of an Aeropress.

No matter which option you choose, Zuri coffee consistently delivers exceptional flavours.

Zuri’s symphony of flavours and complex tasting notes

Zuri is sweet, smooth, silky, and perfectly balanced. It lives up to its name – beautiful taste, beautiful aroma.

Our skilled coffee Q-grader and roasting team take great pride in ensuring Zuri’s delicate balance of flavours is consistent with each batch. As with all Merlo’s coffees, Zuri coffee beans are roasted daily, so you know they’re always fresh.

FLAVOUR | Dark Honey, Raspberry and Orange Zest

AROMA | Blueberry & Cherry

FINISH | Blood Orange

ACIDITY | Orange zest

BODY | Medium.

Experience the beauty of East Africa with every sip of our Zuri blend coffee. This medium-bodied coffee celebrates the exquisite flavours that have made African coffee famous worldwide.

With dark honey, raspberry and orange zest notes, this delicately balanced blend will awaken your senses and transport you back in time to its exotic history. Let the rich culture and customs of East Africa inspire you to start each day with a traditionally mild-roasted coffee. Try the Zuri blend today and discover the authentic taste of Africa.