Day 22: Nicaragua, Maragogype
Day 22 of the RISE Coffee Countdown Calendar - Nicaragua, Maragogype
Origin: Nicaragua
Location: Maragogype
Altitude: 1,400+ masl
Bean: Arabica
Varietals: Catuaí, Caturra, Pacas, Bourbon
Process: Washed
Certifications: Fair Trade
Tasting notes: Blueberry, chocolate, peach, toffee
Why Alice and Ben love it: From a Fair Trade farm, this coffee is produced by Victor and his family who are third generation coffee farmers.
About the coffee:
Maragogype coffee is a unique variety of Arabica coffee known for its exceptionally large beans, often referred to as "elephant beans" due to their size. This coffee is from Las Nubes, which is located in Matagalpa and Jinotega, comprising a group of seven farms that share a wet mill and processing facilities. The region's fertile soils, abundant rainfall, and network of rivers make it an ideal location for growing coffee. Like many farms in Nicaragua, Las Nubes has a rich yet turbulent history. It was seized by the government during the 1980s but was eventually returned to its original owners, who revitalised it with a focus on producing high-quality coffee.
The farm consists of approximately 25 coffee-growing blocks currently in production, as well as 30 acres of protected virgin forest. The farm is led by Victor Robelo, who is a third-generation coffee grower. His family was displaced from the farm during the civil war but later returned to reclaim the land and renew their coffee-growing legacy. For Victor, the farm’s most special features are its stunning mountains, landscapes, and waterfalls. “We are in the Isabelia mountain range and protect a significant portion of the mountain, which ensures that the farm stays green year-round,” he says.
The processing facilities at Las Nubes is super sustainable, using wastewater from bean processing as fertiliser for the farm. Victor also highlights the farm’s commitment to its community: “We have created jobs for the entire community and donated clean water to our neighbours. Many of them are small producers who work with us and earn better wages than the country’s laws require.”
This coffee offers a vibrant cup with bright notes of blueberry, rich chocolate undertones, and a hint of juicy peach, all balanced by a gentle sweetness.
