Sourcing Details: Lake Atitlan is likely one of the most iconic landmarks in Guatemala. If you take your eye off the shimmering beauty of the lake for a moment, you may notice the coffee plants growing on the surrounding mountains. GUATEMALA ORGANIC ATITLAN AAPOSA SHB EP is sourced from The Shejuyú Atitlán Agricultural and Organic Producers Association (AAPOSA). AAPOSA was founded in 2001 and has 150 members with farms that average 3 acres in size located in Santiago Atitlán. AAPOSA provides technical assistance to improve coffee quality and ensure high productivity. AAPOSA organizes producers in the region who follow organic practices that align with their indigenous heritage. Processing Details: This lot represents a classic Lake Atitlan profile traceable to 150 small farms in the region. Farms are just a few acres in size, which is small enough for the producer to carefully handle all of the post-harvest processing on their farms. With their own micro-mills, they carefully harvest cherries, depulp, ferment, wash and gently dry the coffee. Imagine the harmony between these producers in farm management and post-harvest practices to achieve a clean and consistent blend. But also, just enough differences from farm to farm to create a rich complexity of flavors. Exporting Details: An export company called San Miguel provides crucial logistical support for things like warehousing and milling coffee for export to the international market. San Miguel also helps producers navigate the certification process and establish best practices for making organic inputs like composting and microbe based biofertilizers.
