NICARAGUA: A SPECIALTY COFFEE THAT ECHOES THE PEOPLES’ ARTISTRY

Nicaragua, a name that originates from, “here united with the water,” is a land known for its poetry and lively, blissful culture. The rhythmic marimbas and folkloric dances are unforgettable in the fiestas across the country. They remind you of the love the people of Nicaragua have for freedom, independence, and artistry.

From volcano-boarding down Central America’s young volcano, Cerro Negro, to roaming the brightly-colored colonial streets of Granada, Nicaragua evokes a sense of wonder for what this small country has to offer and the people who make it so great.

History

In addition to the country’s moving artistry and landscape, coffee holds a special place in the hearts of Nicaraguans. When coffee established itself as a valuable export during the mid-19th century, the Nicaraguan state encouraged European immigrants to buy land for coffee production. The European landowners who were in control of the coffee farms often exploited the labor of Nicaraguans who were working in poor conditions and paid low wages.

Nicaragua faced even more challenges after the Nicaraguan Revolution from 1974–1990 and Hurricane Mitch in 1998, which kept the country from developing a speciality-coffee origins scene. On top of that, the coffee crisis of 1999–2003 devastated the coffee industry in the country.

Today, Nicaragua is pushing for greater coffee production, which has been a driver for rural development. Coffee farmers are pioneering new ways to elevate coffee quality, while organizations like the Cup of Excellence and Nicaraguan Specialty Coffee Association have promoted the country’s specialty coffees.

In the highlands of Matagalpa and Jintotega, coffee production is booming–most of the coffee is processed using the traditional washed method and is then dried on farmers’ patios.

Nicaragua FTO Segovia

Located in northern Nicaragua, PRODECOOP is a grassroots cooperative organization made up of 2,300 small producers, 27 percent of whom are women. PRODECOOP uses its Fair Trade premium to support its members by creating a variety of programs, some of which support educational opportunities for children, provide loans to women in the organization, offer healthcare services, and create support systems with food security for the communities.

A cup of Nicaragua FTO Segovia is rich with tart acidity and a heavy mouthful that is accompanied by tasting notes of chocolate, cocoa, red grape, and a herbaceous aftertaste.

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Header Photo Credit: JancickaL