Bolivian Org. Caranavi – San Juan Coop – Washed Processed

Burman Coffee Traders

Details

Origin

Bolivia

Process

Washed

Roast Suitability

Description

5A fresh and clean, traditional example of Bolivian coffee. Similar to a Colombian or Peru; thicker, lower acidity with darker nutty/chocolate like tones. Most of Bolivia’s specialty coffee is concentrated in the Yungas region, and within that area, Caranavi is the most productive municipality: it is estimated that between 85% and 90% of the country’s specialty coffee comes from there. The area is characterized by steep slopes, a humid climate with frequent fog, and difficult access. Furthermore, in Caranavi, natural forest cover exceeds 90% of the territory, which explains why many farms are small and operate with a careful management approach rather than focusing on large volumes. Logistically, the coffee often faces one of the most demanding land transport routes: crossing the Andes Mountains and arriving at a port (usually Arica, Chile) at an altitude of around 4,000 meters. The San Juan Coffee Growers Cooperative was founded in 1974 by producers in Caranavi to support family farms and organic/chemical-free methods, the cooperative has since consolidated certifications such as FT/Org. The cooperative had a strong start, but between 2006 and 2017, productivity declined due to aging coffee plantations and reduced investment. Since 2017, with technical leadership focused on quality control, the cooperative has strengthened its standards: each producer processes their own coffee, but the final batch is processed in a central laboratory, and parchment coffees that do not meet minimum quality standards are sold on the local market instead of being exported. A common harvesting protocol is followed: harvesting ripe cherries, density flotation, pulping, 18- to 24-hour fermentation, washing, and sun-drying on raised beds. They are also working to incorporate equipment that will help standardize pulping and fermentation processes among members. Tasting Notes: Most would consider this a medium to dark roast coffee but does have some crisper, more complex features at lighte