FLOR DA SELVA
In topographical terms, Lisbon is the perfect place for edacious travellers. After a morning traversing the city's steep cobbled streets, it’s easy to imagine that you ‘need’ yet another pastel de nata and espresso to keep you going through the afternoon.
During a visit to the Portuguese capital, we took a break from eating and found our way to the Madragoa district for a tour of Flor da Selva. The family-owned coffee roastery has been supplying exceptional coffee to many of the city's great cafes since the 1950s.
On arriving for the tour, the streets surrounding the roastery were perfumed with the sweet scent of oak smoke entwined with the dark buzz of fresh coffee. We were greeted warmly by Francisco, the original owner's grandson.
The delicious aroma intensified as he led us toward the roasting room. Inside, the cavernous space was packed with sacks of Robusta and Arabica beans from Central and South America, Africa and Asia. Alongside the probat drum roaster, stacks of Portuguese evergreen oak waited, ready to fire it. This traditional roasting method creates a unique harmony between two natural raw materials. With skill and time, the heat of the oak fire and coffee beans come together to form a flavour unlike we’ve tasted before.
Roasting Monday and Wednesday mornings, the family is happy to host spontaneous tours of their roastery. Many thanks to Flor da Selva for the tour, their hospitality and generosity with their time.
