At Trees Organic Coffee & Roasting House, our goal is to provide the best and freshest coffee flavours from single origin beans that are organic, natural shade grown, bird friendly and fair trade. We now offer 11 distinct single origin coffees. In our series of coffee profiles, we last focused on the country of Peru. This time, the spotlight is on the newest addition to our coffee collection, that is – Nicaraguan Coffee. Here is a glimpse of the country and its coffee, from crop to cup.
Land of Lakes and Mountains
Known for its dramatic landscape, Nicaragua is referred to as the ‘land of lakes and volcanoes’ and is the largest (by area) of the seven Central American countries. Although its coffee production is relatively small, compared to Costa Rica and Guatemala, coffee is a key export crop and the backbone of the Nicaraguan economy (54% of Nicaragua’s agricultural output).
Organic Shade Grown Coffee Promotes Bio-Diversity
Most of the country’s coffee growing regions are concentrated in the fertile highlands of the north central mountains. Our organic Nicaragua coffee is grown at elevations of 1,000 to 1,800 metres in the San Juan Del Rio Coco community in the Madriz region. Arabica coffee is farmed here using traditional methods that are better for you and the natural environment as the coffee shrubs are grown under the shade of a forest canopy. The main benefits of shade coffee farming include: protecting trees from soil erosion, conserving water, and providing a natural habitat for migratory birds. In fact, 95% of the country’s coffee is shade grown and organic.
San Juan Del Rio Coco Coffee Farmers
Trees Organic’s Nicaraguan coffee not only promotes bio-diversity but is also socially sourced. Nearly all of the coffee producers in the country have small lots (about 14 hectares) and are part of coffee collectives that support farmers’ quality of life. The cooperative in the San Juan Del Rio Coco that provides our coffee has Fair Trade certification and represents 160 micro-farms. Nicaragua is the poorest country in Central America and is heavily reliant on coffee production to support farmers. After a series of setbacks – revolution, cold war, civil war, natural disasters, and an outbreak of coffee rust – Nicaragua coffee production is in recovery. We’re pleased to offer organic coffee from Nicaragua and support their local coffee farmers.
The Flavour Of Nicaraguan Coffee
When you drink Nicaraguan coffee, you’ll enjoy clean, balanced and refreshing flavours with delicate notes, a creamy texture and a sweet finish. The coffee is characterised by having a medium body with bright citrus acidity and semisweet chocolate tones. And, you may experience a nutty bouquet with hints of vanilla and caramel.
Our Nicaraguan coffee beans are medium to near dark roasted, daily in small batches at our Granville Street Roasting House to preserve the freshest and purest flavours. You can enjoy our roasted coffee from Nicaragua at any of our five coffeehouse locations and at home by purchasing whole or ground beans.
Photo credit: The Nicaraguan landscape and coffee cherry images are courtesy of Marcus Dyck Photography
