FROM CROP-TO-CUP, OUR COFFEES EMBRACE FAIRNESS & SUSTAINABILITY
Experience the journey of our ethically sourced coffee as it transforms from humble beans into the perfect cup of brew. We take pride in every step, from meticulous selection to expert roasting. Our commitment to quality and sustainability shines through in every sip, making your coffee experience truly exceptional. Explore our coffee processes and discover the artistry behind each cup.
Plantation Management
At the heart of our coffee journey lies a commitment to sustainable and regenerative agriculture. In the El Macizo de Peñas Blancas region of Nicaragua, our partner farm, Reserva Los Nogales, exemplifies these values. As part owner of Los Nogales, I am deeply involved in pioneering practices inspired by syntropic farming, permaculture, and agroforestry. While Los Nogales plays a crucial role, we also source from other local farms, fostering close relationships with farmers who share our dedication to quality and sustainability. This approach is part of our commitment to sourcing all our coffee and cacao from a single origin. Together, we ensure that every bean is cultivated with care and respect for the land. Our aim is to foster models of regeneration that produce exceptional coffee while nurturing the environment and community.
Harvest
The harvest at Reserva Los Nogales and our partner farms is a testament to our deep-rooted commitment to quality and community. Each coffee cherry is carefully handpicked by experienced farmers, ensuring that only the ripest and highest-quality beans are chosen. This hands-on approach is crucial to maintaining our high standards and is only possible through our deep connection to the source. By being closely involved in the harvesting process, we can influence and ensure the best practices are followed, which fosters a strong bond with the land and the farmers who cultivate it. By prioritizing sustainable harvesting practices, we ensure that our coffee is both exceptional and ethically produced.
Process & Ferment - Washed, Natural, Honey
The journey of our coffee beans doesn't stop at harvesting. The next crucial steps involve transforming these cherries through meticulous fermentation processes to unlock their unique flavors. At Oro, we utilize three primary fermentation methods: washed, natural, and honey. Each method brings out distinct characteristics in the beans, contributing to the rich diversity of our coffee profiles. Through close collaboration with our farmers, we ensure that these processes are carried out with precision and care, reflecting our commitment to quality and sustainability.
Our washed processing method starts with freshly harvested coffee cherries, carefully sorted to ensure only the best. The cherries are then pulped, removing the outer layers to reveal the beans inside. These beans undergo a thorough washing process, which removes any remaining pulp. This meticulous method produces a coffee with a clean, bright flavor, highlighting the pure essence of our beans.
In our natural processing method, ripe coffee cherries are spread out under the warm Nicaraguan sun to dry naturally. This traditional technique allows the cherries to develop rich, fruity, and floral notes as they dry with the fruit still intact. The result is a coffee that bursts with natural flavors, offering a truly unique and exotic experience in every cup.
Our honey processing method strikes a perfect balance between the washed and natural methods. After the outer skin is removed, a sticky, sweet layer, often referred to as "honey," remains on the beans during drying. This layer infuses the beans with a delightful sweetness, resulting in a coffee that combines the clarity of washed processing with the complexity of natural processing, offering a harmonious and rich flavor profile.
Drying
At the heart of our drying process is the use of sun drying, a method that harnesses the power of nature. Freshly processed coffee beans are spread out on raised beds or patios, where they are carefully tended under the natural warmth of the sun. This method not only ensures even drying but also enhances the beans' inherent flavors. By embracing this time-honored technique, we preserve the quality and unique characteristics of each batch, producing coffee that is both flavorful and sustainably processed.
Hulling
Hulling is a pivotal stage in our coffee journey, where the dried beans are meticulously freed from their parchment layer. This traditional process is essential for preparing the beans for roasting. By carefully hulling the beans, we ensure that their inherent flavors and qualities are preserved. This step not only readies the beans for the final stages but also maintains the high standards of quality that define our coffee.
Vacuum Sealing & Exportation
To ensure the exceptional quality of our coffee beans, we take the extra step of vacuum sealing all of our green beans. Unlike the common practice of using burlap sacks, this method locks in freshness, extends the shelf life, and prevents odor contamination during shipping. Once vacuum-sealed, our beans embark on their journey from Nicaragua to Chicago. By implementing this meticulous storage process, we ensure that our coffee retains its unique flavors and characteristics from our farms to your cup.
ROASTING
Once our vacuum-sealed beans arrive in Chicago, we use an air roaster to unlock the most nuanced flavors in our light and medium roasts. This method allows for precise control over the roasting process, highlighting the unique characteristics of each batch.
While the accompanying video content showcases the journey of our beans in Nicaragua, the actual roasting is performed in our Chicago facility, where you can observe the entire process behind glass. This transparency allows you to witness the care and diligence that go into every roast.
Grinding & Preparation
After the roasting process in Chicago, our coffee beans are carefully ground to suit various brewing methods, ensuring that each grind size enhances the flavor profile of the coffee. This step is seamlessly integrated with preparation, where every detail matters. From the exact grind size to the precise brewing technique, each step is crafted with diligence and care. Our baristas, trained in these meticulous methods, ensure that each cup reflects the rich and nuanced flavors of our coffee.
Although the video content was filmed in Nicaragua to highlight the origins of our beans, the grinding and brewing are meticulously performed in Chicago. This distinction ensures that your coffee retains its exceptional quality from the farm to your cup.
