Mexico Chiapas SHG EP Organic is grown in one of Mexico’s most well-known coffee producing regions. Bordering Guatemala, this highland region is punctuated by steep mountains and dense rainforests. The highest altitudes – reaching up to 1,600 meters above sea level – run across through the length of the state, thanks to the Sierra Madres range. Additionally, the western coast benefits from the Pacific Ocean’s climate, while the eastern portion is colored by that of the Atlantic Ocean. The result is a rich diversity of microclimates intersecting in a relatively compact area.
We source Mexico Chiapas SHG EP Organic from several producer and exporter partners. Coffees in Chiapas may come from large estates, but the majority are produced by smallholders, usually in association with cooperatives. Most producers hand-pulp their coffees, ferment the beans in small tanks and rake and dry them on small patios on their properties. Parchment is sorted and graded at the dry mill.
Understanding Coffee Grades
The SHG designation (or Strictly High Grown) specifies that the coffee was grown at an altitude above 1,200 meters. Consequently, the beans mature slowly at cooler temperatures, yielding hard, dense beans with the potential for more complex flavors and higher perceived sweetness and acidity. This classification is higher than HG. EP (European Preparation) specifies that the raw beans are all hand sorted to remove any defective beans and foreign material.
