Green Coffee Offerings : Central America : Mexico

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Mexico, so close, yet so far away. 10 years ago we had solid Mexican coffees from Oaxaca and Chiapas. It seems while other origins open up to the possibilities of higher standards for cup quality, Mexico drops off. We were hoping to pick up coffee from this year's Cup Of Excellence competition in Mexico, but once again, we came up empty handed. For now, we continue to hope and wait. In the meantime, you might consider tiding yourself over with one of our great offerings from Nicaragua or Panama.

Mexican coffee originates from South-central to Southern regions of the country. For that reason, coffees from Coatepec and Veracruz are much different from Oaxacan Plumas, which are in turn much different from the Southernmost region of Chiapas. The later is a growing region bordering the Guatemalan growing area of Huehuetenango, and you will find similarities between those coffees. In general you can expect a light-bodied coffee, mild but with delicate flavors ...But there are exceptions of course. Mexican is one of the largest producers of certified organic coffees, and because of the US close proximity, we receive the bulk of fine Mexican coffees in this market. Mexican coffees are worth exploring for the variety of cup characteristics they present.

Mexicans are moderately-priced, lighter bodied, and wide-ranging in their cup character. For this reason, you need to explore coffee selections from each of the regions to get a good sense of the possibilities of Mexican coffee. Unfortunately, I rarely approve of the cup quality of coffees from Coatepec and Atoyac, and have never carried a Veracruz. Most of the impressive coffees I find are from Oaxaca and Chiapas.

In general, it has become harder, not easier, for me to find great Mexican coffees from Oaxaca and Chiapas. While other origins have improved their visibility, and their skills to produce specialty coffee, Mexico remains quiet on the subject, having no promotional competition or related auction. Mexico has relied more on the Organic and Fair Trade model to attain better prices, rather than looking for a reward in quality. That can work fine, and I support both efforts (as you see on our offer list). But they leave behind those dependent on private farms ... and that part of the market has (I believe) become more volume-oriented.

I was in Chiapas for a brief trip which summed up frustrations trying to work with a cooperative to separate special lots of coffee. Here's some comments and images from this short trip.