NICARAGUA - HG EP RAINFOREST ALLIANCE CERTIFIED - WASHED

OVERVIEW:
Nicaragua may not be the most spotlighted origin in Central America, but its diverse landscapes and evolving coffee sector make it one to watch. This Rainforest Alliance Certified washed Arabica from the highlands of Matagalpa and Jinotega represents the resilience and reinvention of Nicaraguan coffee. With complex tasting notes of orange, black pepper, leather, and a molasses finish, this High Grown (HG) coffee delivers structure and depth. A juicy body and citric acidity round out this sophisticated, layered cup.

PRODUCERS:
This lot comes from a combination of smallholder farmers and medium-to-large estates across Matagalpa and Jinotega. Many smallholders are members of cooperatives that provide access to technical training, processing infrastructure, and certification programs. Larger farms have increasingly prioritized sustainability and quality, participating in Rainforest Alliance initiatives and investing in environmental and social improvements.

ALTITUDE AND LOCATION:
Coffee is grown in the Central-Northern mountains of Nicaragua at altitudes ranging from 1,200 to 1,400 meters above sea level. The regions of Matagalpa and Jinotega are known for their fertile volcanic soils, abundant rainfall, and lush, biodiverse ecosystems. Shade-grown practices under native trees help preserve wildlife corridors and support long-term soil health.

PROCESSING – WASHED (EUROPEAN PREP):
This coffee is fully washed, with cherries pulped, fermented, and washed before being dried on patios. The European Preparation (E/P) designation means the coffee has been carefully screened to remove defects and sorted to a uniform screen size (15/17). The result is a clean, stable green coffee ideal for specialty roasting.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT:
Coffee arrived in Nicaragua in the mid-1800s, but political instability, civil war, and economic crises throughout the 20th century severely disrupted the industry. Hurricanes, droughts, and the 1999–2003 coffee price crisis brought further devastation, forcing many producers to abandon farms. The rise of cooperatives and certifications like Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, and Organic helped stabilize and rebuild the sector. Cooperative-led investments in training, infrastructure, and traceability have enabled producers to access specialty markets and command better prices for their work. Notably, the “El Acuerdo de las Tunas” marked a historic land rights victory for over 3,000 landless coffee workers—a testament to the power of collective action.

This Nicaragua HG E/P brings a savoury depth and structured body that shines in espresso applications. We recommend roasting this coffee to a medium level to accentuate its orange and black pepper notes, while maintaining balance between its juicy body and molasses-like finish.