Origin: Nicaragua
Region: San Fernando, Nueva Segovia
Estate: Finca Santa Maria de Lourdes, Esperanza plot
Owner: Octavio Peralta
Altitude: 1550
Varieties: Yellow Catuai
Grade: 15 Up
Processing: Anaerobic
Harvest Year: 23/24
Cupping Notes: Raspberry, chocolate, grape and single cream
Finca Santa Maria de Lourdes spans 40 hectares of natural mountain forest and has been owned by Octavio Peralta since 1970. However, for many years, the area was a war zone during the Sandinista uprising and was heavily mined. In the late 1980s, the United Nations cleared the land of mines, allowing Octavio to begin restoring its exceptional coffee production in 1994. His dedication extends beyond coffee cultivation to environmental conservation, as the farm’s rich biodiversity plays a crucial role in producing its outstanding coffee.
Of the 80 hectares of arable land available, 40 have been set aside solely for the preservation and enhancement of the natural habitat. In recognition of this commitment, the farm has earned Rainforest Alliance certification, reinforcing its role in sustainable conservation. The farm also features a well-equipped kitchen that provides meals for its 60 permanent workers and 150 seasonal pickers during peak harvest. Coffee varieties grown here include Caturra and Catuai, along with the heirloom Javanica.
The Peralta family’s coffee-growing heritage dates back to the early 20th century. However, it wasn’t until 2008 that brothers Julio and Octavio shifted their focus to developing distinctive specialty coffee preparations. We have had the privilege of knowing the Peralta family for several years and have always admired their values and approach to coffee cultivation. We are thrilled to introduce their microlots and special preparations to Europe. From single-plot, single-varietal selections to meticulously controlled extended fermentations, the Peralta family continues to lead the way in specialty coffee innovation.
The municipality of San Fernando is situated approximately 24 kilometers from Ocotal and is home to around 10,000 residents, the vast majority of whom are coffee growers. This picturesque region lies within Nueva Segovia, where elevations range between 1,350 and 1,550 meters above sea level. Santa Maria de Lourdes is a haven of rich biodiversity, with lush vegetation and abundant wildlife nurtured by high rainfall levels. The farm is home to four wetlands, six water sources, and five streams, all of which feed into the San Fernando River. This river is part of the La Horca River basin, which ultimately flows into the Coco River.
Nueva Segovia is known for some of the highest coffee-growing altitudes in Nicaragua. Its terrain is both breathtaking and demanding, defined by rolling hills and dense forests that are frequently shrouded in thick clouds.
The climate at Santa María de Lourdes is notably more humid, requiring fewer coffee trees to be planted in order to maintain ecological balance within the farm’s ecosystem.
This lot was produced using a natural process with extended anaerobic fermentation. The process begins with the careful selection and washing of ripe cherries. They are then placed into airtight 450L tanks, where they undergo fermentation for up to 72 hours in an oxygen-free environment. To maintain a stable temperature of approximately 15°C and slow down fermentation, the tanks are submerged in water-filled fermenting pools. This method helps prevent spoilage and minimizes the risk of undesirable flavors.
Once fermentation is complete, the cherries are removed from the tanks and transported to the dry mill for the drying phase, which can take up to 30 days. Initially, they are spread out in a single layer for the first three days to allow excess moisture to evaporate. As they begin to dry, the cherries are transferred to covered drying beds, where they remain for the rest of the process. To ensure even drying and prevent mold or over-fermentation, they are manually turned three times a day.
Nicaragua may not be the most famous producer of Central American coffee, but it has great potential. The country is known as the land of ‘los lagos y los volcanes’ (lakes and volcanos) and has many coffee growing ‘pockets’ that few have heard of or experienced. Many producers in the country are experimenting with new varieties and processing methods, making it a specialty origin to watch.
Many coffee producers in Nicaragua today are buoyed by cooperatives that provide a wide array of services, supports and opportunity. As seen in the win of the ‘El Acuerdo de las Tunas’, where 3,000 landless workers won land rights, collective action by farmers can be far more effective at enacting widespread change than the advocacy of individual farmers.
Cooperatives and farmer associations in Nicaragua encompass a large percentage of the country’s coffee producers, and they are taking their destiny in their own hands. By putting great emphasis on quality and by aiming for the international specialty coffee industry, cooperatives and farmers associations are helping their members gain influence and import that will, hopefully, garner enough profit to enable farmers to continue to improve and invest in their farms and their families.
Large and medium-sized (10+ hectare) farms also hold a significant place in Nicaragua’s coffee landscape, as well. Many of these farms have also prioritized social and environmental issues and are working on quality improvements at both cultivation and post-harvest levels.
Farmers, for the most part, will process coffee on their own farms, and the majority of the time coffee is dried on large drying patios under sun.
Small Batch Roasting: Roast For You Service – Terms & Conditions
Introduction
Small Batch Roasting now offers a service that offers personalised coffee roasting for customers who want to enjoy freshly roasted coffee tailored to their preferences. This article will discuss the Roast For You Service, its terms and conditions, and provide essential information for customers to make informed decisions when ordering.
Roast For You Service
When you choose to have your coffee roasted for you, we will roast the exact amount ordered and roast this for you to the selected roast profile you have chosen. Our small batch roasting process ensures that your coffee is roasted with care and precision, resulting in a high-quality, freshly roasted product.
Minimum Green Weight Requirement
Please be advised that the minimum green weight for roasting any one single origin is 6kg. Any orders placed with less than 6kg of each origin will be placed on hold and may cause delays in being dispatched. We will contact you to discuss how you wish to proceed in this case.
Weight Loss During Roasting
Please be mindful of the weight loss through moisture loss during roasting, which is typically between 12-20% depending on the level of roast. The darker the roast, the higher the moisture loss. This weight loss should be taken into account when ordering your coffee to ensure you receive the desired amount of roasted coffee.
Order Processing Time
Orders for roasted coffees will naturally take a little longer to process. Please allow a minimum of 3 days for your order to arrive from the point of order. If we are able to drop your order in the roasting schedule sooner, we will always endeavor to do so.
Mixed Orders
Mixed orders which include green and roasted coffees will be dispatched together when the roasted coffees are ready. We are unable to split these orders, so please consider the slightly longer delivery times when ordering mixed coffees.
Packaging
Your coffee will be bulk packed into a 6kg bulk bag with an identifying label on only. This packaging ensures that your coffee remains fresh and protected during transit.
Roast Profile and Liability
We will roast to your desired roast profile, but are unable to take any liability for any taste discrepancies that may arise from this. We are unable to take back any coffees once they have been roasted to your desired roast profile.
Yield Estimate
Typically, a medium roast coffee at 6kg green will yield 5.1kg of freshly roasted coffee. This estimate should be taken into account when ordering your coffee to ensure you receive the desired amount of roasted coffee.
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