ECUADOR, IMBABURA

Producers: Multiple Smallholders

Regions: Imbabura & Carchi

Process: Washed

Roast: Medium

Variety: Caturra, Colombia

Altitude(MASL): 1400-2000 masl

Notes: Toffee, Caramel, Citrus

Grown in the high altitudes of the Ecuadorian Andes, coffees from the Imbabura and Carchi provinces are known for their balance of acidity, sweetness, and bitterness. The varied microclimates, rich biodiversity, and fertile volcanic soil of Ecuador make it an ideal coffee growing region - with most coffee being produced on small farms, 1 to 10 hectares in size. These small lots usually grow other crops alongside coffee such as cacao, citrus fruits, mangos, and bananas. Although Ecuador sits in the shadows of its large coffee growing neighbors of Colombia and Peru, in terms of production and acclaim, the specialty coffee market in Ecuador looks very optimistic as interest in specialty coffee production, roasting, and third wave coffee continues to rise.

Our exporting partners in Ecuador work closely with the small producers, continuously visiting their farms and often providing advice and assistance to help improve their farming and production methods. At harvest, the best samples are gathered by the exporter's quality department and negotiations are made with each producer to ensure they earn a premium on a larger percentage of their harvest based on the quality of the cup. The best small lots that are purchased in the region are gathered together to produce a ‘Regional Select” coffee, which highlight the best qualities of the coffees grown in the Imbabura and Carchi region. 

After the coffee is picked, it is prepared for processing, pulped and then placed in water tanks and allowed to ferment for a set amount of hours which can vary depending on conditions and technique. After the soaking period, the coffee is then fully washed and placed on parabolic drying patios where it is rotated regularly to promote even drying until it reaches a target moisture content of 12%. 

Because of the diverse landscapes and climates of Ecuador, each region, and even each farm, will produce unique growing conditions. The exporting partners in Ecuador work with a technical team of agronomists to analyze climate conditions and soil health to help producers with disease prevention which will enable better and more consistent coffee growing now and for the future.

Brew Method: Espresso, Filter, French Press

Please allow 3 business days for your coffee order to be roasted and shipped.