A Taste of Paradise: New Limited Edition Coffees from Cafe Justicia
Get ready to experience the vibrant flavors of Guatemala with Cafe Justicia's newest limited edition coffees! Direct from their cooperative mill located near Cerro de Oro on the shores of the stunning high mountain Lake Atitlan, we are thrilled to introduce a honey processed and a natural processed coffee, both crafted with the utmost care and expertise.
A First for Cafe Justicia
This year marks a significant milestone for Cafe Justicia and the CCDA. Not only have they produced these unique offerings for the first time using the most exceptional beans they could source, but they also did so with the assurance of dedicated support. A group of Canadian roasters, including Eco-Coffee Corp, joined forces to purchase the entire 2024 crop of these specialty lines. This commitment provides the CCDA with the stability and resources needed to ensure the sustainability of these new products. By guaranteeing the purchase of the same amount next year and beyond, we're helping them establish a strong foundation for growth and expansion into new markets. This collaborative approach empowers the cooperative to invest in their craft, explore new techniques, and continue producing exceptional coffee while improving their livelihoods and also to minimize the risk associated when entering into new and untapped markets with a product that is still coming of age in the industry.
Our Journey to the Source, Cerro de Oro (Lake Atitlan)
In January, we had the privilege of visiting the CCDA processing mill and witnessing the entire coffee production process firsthand. We were there as trucks arrived, laden with freshly-picked, ripe coffee cherries, carefully harvested by the skilled hands of local farmers. We watched as each delivery was meticulously weighed and recorded, ensuring fair compensation for the farmers' hard work. From there, we followed the cherries as they were washed and sorted, with only the finest making the cut for these special lots.
The natural processed coffee was then carefully spread out on raised drying beds, where it would bask in lake Atitlan's breeze as it meanders down from the local volcanoes and into the basin, slowly developing its unique flavor profile. Meanwhile, the honey processed coffee underwent a fascinating transformation. First, the outer skin of the cherries (the cascara) was removed, leaving a sticky layer of pulp, also known as the mucilage, clinging to the beans. This mucilage, rich in sugars, is what gives honey processed coffee its characteristic sweetness and body. The beans were then laid out on drying beds to ferment for a specific period, carefully monitored by the CCDA team, before being fully dried. We saw the incredible dedication of the workers who meticulously stirred the coffee beans every few hours, ensuring even drying and optimal flavor development. This hands-on approach truly sets these coffees apart.
What Makes These Coffees Special?
- Honey Processed: This method involves leaving a portion of the coffee cherry's mucilage intact during drying. The result? A coffee with a rich sweetness, reminiscent of honey, and a full body. Expect notes of brown sugar, caramel, and ripe fruit.
- Natural Processed: This traditional method dries the coffee cherries whole, allowing the fruit's natural sugars to infuse into the bean. This creates a vibrant and complex cup with pronounced fruit flavors and a natural sweetness.
More Than Just a Cup of Coffee
When you choose Cafe Justicia, you're choosing more than just a delicious cup of coffee. You're supporting a cooperative committed to fair trade practices, environmental sustainability, and community development. Every purchase directly benefits the farmers and their families, empowering them to build a better future.
Order Now!
These limited edition coffees are now available! We can't wait for you to experience the unique flavors of Cerro de Oro.
