Fairtrade Organic Gr1

The story behind Fairtrade Organic Gr1

Peru is the world’s leading exporter of Fair-Trade Organic coffee and the 10th largest producer of Arabica. Harvest season is generally from May to November; because Peru is below the equator, the coffee harvest is at opposite times than the northern hemisphere, with harvests between July and September generally arriving in the US between October and December. Because of this, they have become a staple winter coffee option.

Most of their coffee is handpicked and sun-dried. Coffee production altitudes in Peru range from 800 to 2,100 meters above sea level, with 75% of the production above 1300 meters. Most Peruvian coffee producers are small farmers – estimated 150,000 family producers. Producers group into cooperatives with as many as 2,000 members and 7,000 hectares. Peruvian small-farmer coops have become the largest certified fair-trade and organic coffee supplier globally.

Coffees grown at lower altitudes have a slight sweetness and smooth flavor of nuts, flowers, and fruit with mild acidity. The beans demonstrate brighter acidity, floral aromas, and enhanced sweetness at higher altitudes.

Most coffee is traditionally washed at the farm level and sold on parchment. Typica variety accounts for 70%, Caturra for 20%, and 10% other. Good Peruvian coffees have many delicate high notes of quality Central Americans due to the high elevation and cooler climate of the Andes while retaining a firmly South American profile overall.

General Flavor Profile: Nuts, Chocolate, Fruity, Floral, Mild Acidity, Light to Medium Body. Because of its mildness, it’s good for blending, but the sweet, nutty, floral notes also make it suitable for savoring.