Gimme Coffee Guatemala Asobagri
This coffee from Gimme Coffee of Ithaca, NY, demonstrates one of the reasons that I’m so drawn to coffees from small(er) roasters such as this. Take a quick glance at Gimme’s page for the Guatemala Asobagri and you’ll see a plethora of information about all of the initiatives that the Asobagri Cooperative is undertaking to improve the lives of its farmers and to their effect on the environment. This is a common theme among many of the producers that Gimme works with, as well as roasters such as Stumptown, Barrington, and others. A big part of the reason for this, is the effort these roasters are making to work with producers who are undertaking these initiatives.
It’s a circle of sorts. The smaller roasters are drawn to the efforts of these cooperatives to produce better coffee, lessen their effect on the environment, and improve the lives of their farmers. In turn, by working with them, and in many cases being willing to pay higher rates for their coffees, the roasters are helping to ensure that the cooperatives can continue these efforts. This is even more explicit in cases where the coffee is sourced directly by the roasters.
The case of Guatemala’s Asobagri Cooperative is especially interesting. The cooperative was founded in 1989 by 20 farmers, and has since grown to encompass 686 members spread throughout four communities. The coop runs workshops in organic production methods for its farmers, and is certified Fair Trade, Organic Crop Improvement Association, and Smithsonian Bird Friendly. The coop offers literacy classes to its member communities, and at this time over 100 members participate in reading and writing workshops, while at the same time the coop invests money in a health fund for its members. And the coop seeks to lessen its members’ impacts on the environment by offering workshops in sustainable agriculture, crop diversification, and apiculture.
That’s an impressive array of initiatives that the coop is undertaking. But, in the end, how does the coffee pan out?
Tasting Notes
The Asobagri Cooperative is located in the Huehuetenango region of Guatemala. The coffee was grown in volcanic soil, under the shade of banana, guava, and plantain trees, and planted among cardamom, banana, and citrus plants. The varietals include bourbon and caturra, that were washed and sun-dried.
The nose has delicate, enticing notes of vanilla, jasmine, and bakers chocolate. The texture is soft and balanced, with a light acidity that stacks up well against the coffee’s flavors of whole wheat toast, table grapes, orange pith, and a hint of rum. The finish is vibrant with citrus rind and and fruit flavors.
Very drinkable, enjoyable coffee. I liked it best in the morning, when its soft texture and weaving of flavors played well together in waking my senses up for the day.
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