Description

San Martín: The Heart of Peruvian Organic Coffee

​The San Martín region, nestled in the northern highlands of Peru where the Andes foothills meet the Amazon rainforest, is one of the country’s most vital coffee-producing areas. It is particularly renowned for its dedication to sustainable and organic farming, making it a hotspot for specialty-grade organic Peruvian coffee. Cultivated by a network of smallholder farmers, often organised into cooperatives like Agraria Cafetalera and Alto Mayo, this coffee is a testament to the country’s commitment to quality, environmental stewardship, and social empowerment.

​Ideal Terroir and Organic Practices

​The unique geography of San Martín provides an ideal environment for the delicate Arabica coffee
bean. The coffee grows at high elevations, ranging from approximately 1,200 to 1,900 masl (metres above sea level). At this altitude the cooler mountain climate slows the maturation of the coffee cherries, allowing the beans to develop more complex flavours and a desirable gentle acidity. The fertile, nutrient-rich soils and the tropical humid climate further contribute to a high-quality product.
​The San Martin region is the third largest coffee producing region in Peru and grows a large volume of Peru’s certified organic coffee. Farmers here prioritize traditional, all-natural methods, eschewing synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This commitment ensures soil health and protects the vibrant biodiversity of the rainforest ecosystem.

​Flavour Profile and Versatility

​San Martín organic coffee, typically processed using the fully washed method to ensure a clean and consistent cup, offers a balanced and approachable flavour profile with chocolate and nut tones.
​We tend to roast this coffee medium to highlights its signature characteristics:
​Aroma and Acidity: A soft, floral aroma with a delicate, gentle acidity, subtle citrus notes too.
​Body and Finish: a medium, silky body that provides a pleasant mouthfeel and a smooth, well-rounded finish.
​Taste Notes: The most common flavour notes for San Martin coffee are milk chocolate, toasted nuts (especially almond), and caramel. Hints of subtle stone fruit or berry add a layer of complexity.
​This versatile flavour profile makes San Martín organic coffee an excellent choice for various brewing methods. It performs beautifully as a pour-over or filter coffee, where its delicate sweetness and balance shine, but it is also robust and smooth enough to create a rich, nutty espresso, particularly when we roast it slightly darker.
​San Martín organic Peruvian coffee stands out not just for its Grade 1 quality, but for the story behind the bean—a narrative of high-altitude terroir, dedicated small-scale farmers, and an unwavering commitment to organic sustainability.