Nicaragua San Juan del Rio Coco - Organic, Bird Friendly

This coffee originates from the San Juan del Río Coco area in northwestern Madriz, Nicaragua, a mountainous region with rich volcanic soils and an ideal climate for high-quality coffee. This coffee is produced by the Unión de Cooperativas Agropecuarias San Juan del Río Coco (UCA SJRC), a union of eight small cooperatives representing around 370–430 smallholder farmers, many of whom are women. These family-run farms average 2.8–5.6 hectares, and the cooperative provides technical support, training, and market access to ensure quality and sustainability. The coffee is grown at high altitudes, approximately 1,100–1,500 meters above sea level, which qualifies it as Strictly High Grown (SHG) and contributes to its dense, flavorful beans. Varietals include Bourbon, Caturra, Catuai, and Typica, which are fully washed and sun-dried before export, often sorted to European Preparation (EP) standards. Certified Organic, often Fair Trade, and Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center (SMBC) Bird-Friendly, the cooperative emphasizes shade-grown practices that support biodiversity. Harvested from October to March, the coffee is known for its bright acidity, sweet fruit notes like apple and citrus, and balanced chocolate and nut undertones. Beyond quality coffee, UCA SJRC supports community development through better pricing, cooperative facilities, and social projects, making this coffee both environmentally and socially responsible.