Mixteca Alta del Pacifico is an organic coffee cooperative in the Mixteca region of Oaxaca, which is home to the Mixteca and Zapoteca indigenous peoples.

The cooperative's headquarters is in the town of Santa Maria Yucuhiti, and membership consists of 172 producers. Most producers own between 1 and 3 hectares, which sit between 900 and 1,700 meters above sea level.

Producers in the area embrace shade-grown methods, using native trees to shelter their coffee plants. They also value the region’s longtime tradition of handpicking, which ensures that only ripe beans are picked.

Each farm has its own wet mill, with a hand-cranked de-pulper and small cement fermentation tanks, as well as a drying patio, either beside the house or on the roof. And, all members are committed organic standards: Coffee is grown without chemical pesticides or fertilizers and using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment.

Mixteca recently built a cupping lab, and InterAmerican Q Graders have spent time teaching the QC lab technician to sample roast. We're delighted to work with this group, who are producing truly impressive coffees that stand apart for their rich body (perfect for espresso) and sweet, fruity profiles.

Cupping notes: Bright, juicy acidity, creamy body. Floral notes, milk chocolate, caramel, lemon, grape, cherry.