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Rwanda Resilience in Every Cup: Coffee with a Climate Impact
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Taste the Bright Future of Coffee
- Tasting Notes: Vibrant citrus, delicate florals, and a smooth honey finish
- Mouthfeel: Silky and refreshing, with a bright, clean finish
- Perfect for: Pour over, drip, or French press—ideal for your morning clarity ritual
Rwanda Single Origin Coffee with citrus, floral, and honey tasting notes from Dukunde Kawa.
Why Dukunde Kawa Coffee Matters
Dukunde Kawa means “Let’s love coffee”—a name that reflects their commitment to people, planet, and flavor. This Rwandan cooperative is internationally recognized for combining exceptional quality with climate action.
- 2,500+ clean cook stoves installed, reducing wood use by 70%
- Tree nurseries restoring biodiversity and combating soil erosion
- Women’s leadership with 80% women participation at the Ruli washing station
Every bag of Rwanda Single Origin supports these impactful programs, making every cup an act of regeneration and reciprocity.
Sources: Dukunde Kawa Sustainability Programs and Thanksgiving Coffee Dukunde Kawa Story
Rwanda Coffee Farm
Brew a Better Morning, Support a Better Future
- Support healthier homes with clean cook stove initiatives
- Restore forests and farms through reforestation efforts
- Empower women farmers, nurturing local leadership
Recipe: Cold Brew for Summer Brightness
- Coarse grind 1 cup of beans
- Steep in 4 cups of filtered water for 12-14 hours
- Serve over ice with a twist of fresh orange peel
Explore More Flavor Stories
Lavender Grace is the Sustainable Ecology Advocate for Thanksgiving Coffee Company
Stay in touch - we like to stay connected
Recommended Reading
Back to the Blog-
![Ethically Sourced, Artisan Roasted]()
Ethically Sourced, Artisan Roasted:
Crafting exceptional coffee experiences since 1972 through sustainable partnerships and masterful roasting
For over 50 years, we've pioneered sustainable coffee sourcing while perfecting the art of small-batch roasting. Every bean tells a story of environmental stewardship, farmer empowerment, and uncompromising quality.
Global Partners
From Nicaragua's misty mountains to Rwanda's vibrant highlands, our decades-long partnerships with farming communities ensure exceptional coffee while promoting sustainable practices.
Environmental Leadership
From pioneering shade-grown certification to planting over 82,800 trees, our commitment to environmental stewardship sets industry standards.
Artisan Roasting
Each small batch is carefully roasted to perfection, bringing out the unique character of every origin while ensuring consistent, exceptional quality.
Farmer Empowerment
Through innovative programs like our cupping labs and Farmers Thriving Index, we ensure our partners thrive while producing exceptional coffee.
Recognition for Excellence
Honoring Exceptional Craft: A Lifetime of Roasting Mastery
Roaster of the year
good food awards
Honors Superior Taste with Commitment to Social and Environmental Justice
+ Multiple 90+ Reviews
Our Partner Network
Our multi-generational partnerships with farm communities stretch back decades, cultivating relationships as carefully as we roast our award-winning coffee beans
Corrales Family
25+ years of partnership in sustainable coffee cultivation and community development
- THIRD-GENERATION FAMILY RELATIONSHIP - LEADERS IN SHADE-GROWN CULTIVATION - CERTIFIED BIODYNAMIC AND ORGANIC PRACTICES - PIONEERS IN REGENERATIVE FARMING
CECOCAFEN
25+ years of partnership in sustainable coffee cultivation and community development
- CUPPING LAB PROJECT PIONEERS - COMMUNITY-DRIVEN COOPERATIVE - MULTI-GENERATIONAL FARMING EXPERTISE
Guaya'b Cooperative
25+ years of partnership in sustainable coffee cultivation and community development
- CERTIFIED BIRD FRIENDLY HABITAT - ORGANIC CERTIFICATION - SMALL FAMILY FARM COOPERATIVE MODEL - CHAMPIONS OF BIODIVERSITY
Experience Our Legacy
Join us in our mission to create exceptional coffee while making a positive impact on communities and the environment
Cupping Lab Revolution
Developed the world's first cupping labs owned and operated by small-scale farmers and cooperatives
State-of-the-art cupping lab development in Nicaragua. Global Impact that enabled the development of 3rd and 4th wave artisan coffee techniques.
Environmental Leadership
First to establish industry-wide sustainability standards
Community Innovation
This isn't just about buying beans; it's about nurturing relationships that transform communities.
Our true measure of success is the lasting impact we create in coffee-growing communities around the world.
We are continuing the legacy of exceptional coffee that makes a difference.
Lavender Grace is the Sustainability Consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company
Stay in touch - we like to stay connected
Ethically Sourced, Artisan Roasted
read more -
![September Single Origin Club: Flor de Jinotega]()
Single Origin Club: Flor de Jinotega from Nicaragua
What is a Single Origin coffee? Simply put, these coffees are defined by the place they come from.
Single Origin coffees are from a specific farm or group of farms that make up small cooperatives. You’ll find that most of our Single Origin coffees are light roasted since this brings out their unique aromas and flavor notes.
This month, we’re sharing our Nicaraguan Flor de Jinotega with you, grown by the SOPPEXCCA Cooperative.
About the Farm
Nestled in the mountains above the regional capital Jinotega, the farmers of SOPPEXCCA grow coffee under the protective shade of bananas, mangos, and mahogany, and alongside dense forests providing home to dozens of rare orchids and winter habitat for hundreds of migratory songbirds. Jinotega is the heartland of Nicaragua’s coffee producing zone and many of the country’s finest coffees come from the thousands of small-scale family farms arrayed throughout the department’s lush mountain landscape.
This landscape wasn’t always organized this way. Before the revolution of the 1980s many of these small family farms were actually consolidated in expansive haciendas owned by foreigners and the country’s elite and farmed with the intensive use of agrochemical fertilizers and pesticides. The farmers themselves were hired labor, invariably poorly paid. In fact, the genesis of the revolution itself traces directly to these large farms, and the thousands of farmers without access to land. One of the central demands and outcomes of the revolution was a process of land redistribution whereby farmers gained access to the land they had worked for generations. Cooperatives arose out of the need to organize these small farms in larger economic unions that could market coffee, facilitate much needed financing, and serve the community’s broad social, economic, and environmental needs.
Altitude: 1,200 meters
Processing: Wet/Washed
Farmer: SOPPEXCCA
Varietal: Bourbon, Typica, Caturra
Though relatively small in membership, SOPPEXCCA has emerged as Jinotega’s leading cooperative. The cooperative represents 654 families and is recognized around the world as a leader in the movement to empower small-scale farmers, especially women and youth. SOPPEXCCA has built primary schools in its member communities, alongside pharmacies, cooperative grocery stores, and technical assistance centers. Extensive micro-credit programs offer members access to financing at a discount of 75% compared to locally available commercial finance. Long-term work to develop sustainable coffee production has resulted in a cooperatively-owned organic fertilizer production facility, innovative climate change adaptation efforts, and of course, ongoing coffee quality improvement programs.
Not ready to join the Single Origin Club? Make a one-time purchase of our Flor de Jinotega Light Roast coffee.
September Single Origin Club: Flor de Jinotega
read more -
![Women Powering Change: SOPPEXCCA's Revolutionary Approach to Economic Justice in Coffee]()
The Story Of SOPPEXCCA: Empowerment Through Coffee
In the verdant highlands of Jinotega, Nicaragua, a revolutionary approach to gender equity is transforming the coffee industry. Led by the visionary Fátima Ismael, SOPPEXCCA cooperative operates on a powerful belief: "Women's independence can only be achieved through economic autonomy and awareness."
"This groundbreaking initiative doesn't just produce exceptional coffee – it creates a model for sustainable economic justice." – Thanksgiving Coffee Company
What makes this partnership unique is SOPPEXCCA's pioneering recognition of women's traditionally invisible contributions to coffee production. This approach addresses a global challenge documented extensively by international organizations including the United Nations.
Fátima Ismael, SOPPEXCCA'S General Manager
The $40,000 Unpaid Work Fund: Valuing Invisible Labor
Since 2013, Thanksgiving Coffee Company has committed an additional $0.10 per pound of green coffee purchased from SOPPEXCCA – specifically allocated to recognize women's unpaid work. This initiative has now generated over $40,000 supporting women's economic empowerment.
The Global Context of Unpaid Labor
According to UN Women research:
- Unpaid care work is essential to functioning economies but often goes uncounted and unrecognized
- Women—particularly from low-income, migrant, and racialized groups—perform more than three-quarters of unpaid care and domestic work globally
- If women's unpaid work were assigned monetary value, it would exceed up to 40% of GDP in some countries
Measurable Impact in Nicaragua
The SOPPEXCCA initiative has created transformative changes for women:
- Improved relationships among women in rural communities
- Increased active participation in economic decision-making processes
- Development of creative potential within family economies
- Financial independence through personal savings accounts
- Growing cooperative membership among women
"8 March ... Day of commemoration and new commitments for a world of equality, equity and respect .. Greetings female producers, friends and companions who have been with this organization on their way that has not been easy but together we have overcome a thousand adversities and will continue to be fighting ..." Soppexcca
Woman Farmers of Soppexcca Cooperative - Jinotego, Nicaragua
Environmental Stewardship Meets Social Justice
Shade Grown Coffee: Critical Habitat for Migratory Songbirds
SOPPEXCCA's commitment extends beyond economic justice. Their shade-grown cultivation methods create essential winter habitats for migratory songbirds, demonstrating how sustainable agriculture directly contributes to biodiversity conservation.
"When you choose SOPPEXCCA coffee, you're supporting both women's empowerment and environmental stewardship – values at the heart of Thanksgiving Coffee Company."
Woman Farmers from the Soppexxcca Cooperative - Jinotega, Nicaragua
The Economic Impact Of Ethical Investment
UN Women's research reveals that investing in care infrastructure creates three times more jobs than equivalent investment in construction, with 70-90% of these jobs benefiting women.
The SOPPEXCCA fund represents precisely this kind of strategic investment.
Read about our support for the women of Soppexcca:
"Recognizing the Value of Womens Unpaid Work".
Celebrate the Women Coffee Farmers of Soppexcca
Try this delicious coffee and support a more balanced and just economy for the women of Soppexcca.
Lavender Grace is the Sustainability Consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company.
Women Powering Change: SOPPEXCCA's Revolutionary Approach to Economic Justice in Coffee
read more -
![Roots & Regeneration: Pioneering Regenerative Agriculture]()
Pioneering Regenerative Agriculture
High in Nicaragua's pristine Arenal Forest Reserve, at 1,500 meters above sea level, Finca los Pinos stands as a testament to agricultural transformation. Here, Byron Corrales and his family have spent over four decades pioneering a different way of farming coffee. Since embracing organic practices in 1986, they've developed an innovative approach that works in perfect harmony with nature. Through their dedication to biodynamic farming, they've not only twice earned top honors for their extraordinary coffee, but they've also created a model for sustainable agriculture that's changing how we think about coffee cultivation.
Sarah Corrales on her families coffee farm
Byron Corrales hugging a tree on his family coffee farm
A Legacy of Excellence
Our relationship with the Corrales family spans three generations, witnessing their evolution from traditional farming to becoming leaders in biodynamic agriculture. Byron's innovative spirit led him to develop the exceptional Maracaturra variety, a unique hybrid that produces remarkably large beans – distinctively bigger than typical Arabica coffee beans. This size isn't just for show; it allows for exceptional taste elements that smaller beans simply cannot achieve, delivering a remarkable sweetness and richness in every cup.
Benita Corrales, Byron's mother
The first meeting with Thanksgiving Coffee Company in 1992- Left Byron Corrales, Right Arnulfo Corrales
Arnulfo Corrales, Byron's father
Left to right - Thanksgiving Coffee's Co-Founder Paul Katzeff, Byron Corrales, and Nick Hodgkins (Etico -The ethical trading company)
the Art Of Processing
Byron with drying natural Maracaturra coffee beans.
Corrales' artisanal approach to processing begins long before the cherries reach the beneficio (drying patio). On his farm, every element serves an integral function in creating exceptional coffee. This includes the carefully selected forage crops sustaining his cattle, whose manure enriches the compost used around the coffee trees, as well as the diverse pollinators - from honeybees to other beneficial insects - that support optimal cherry development.
For Corrales, successful coffee processing stems from creating a balanced, thriving ecosystem that produces the highest quality cherries possible for processing. This foundation of environmental harmony directly influences the clarity and complexity of his final cup.
The Natural process is when the coffee cherries are dried whole, without removing the pulp or using water or machines, and has become Byron’s preferred method for many reasons, as he explained in this video. It is a very good choice to reduce the use of fossil fuels and for water conservation, as well as the added antioxidant health benefits.
The Living Systems Of Los Pinos
At Finca los Pinos, every element serves multiple purposes in an intricate dance of mutual support:
- Native and planted trees provide essential shade and soil health
- Free-ranging cattle contribute to natural fertilization cycles
- Coffee cherry pulp (cascara) is recycled into nutritious cattle feed
- Birds and beneficial insects maintain natural pest control
- Pine trees create unique conditions that enhance both soil and coffee quality
Los Pinos coffee farm looking out over the forest
Soil: The Foundation of Life
Byron Corrales with his hands full of soil
Byron's approach to soil health demonstrates the core principles of regenerative agriculture. "The farmers that produce with agrochemicals and herbicides destroy the life of the soil," he observes. "We protect it." This protection includes:
- Maintaining ground cover to retain moisture
- Supporting microorganism and mycorrhizal networks
- Using natural fertilization methods
- Working with, rather than against, natural processes
“I feel really happy that those who drink my coffee are drinking a cup of life”
Byron Corrales
Climate Resilience Through Diversity
Great video produced by Viva La Finca - Virtual origin experience - Byron Corrales of Finca Los Pinos
Understanding the challenges of climate change, Byron has implemented robust adaptation strategies:
- Diverse tree species for enhanced shade coverage
- Strengthened soil biology
- Natural mineral enrichment
- Water conservation systems
The Unique Maracaturra Experience
This regenerative approach culminates in the cultivation of Maracaturra, a special variety found only at Finca los Pinos. This unique hybrid of Maragoype and Caturra (Bourbon) produces a truly exceptional coffee with:
- Juicy apricot aromatics
- Rich cashew nuttiness
- A deeply toned sweet cacao finish
- Remarkable sweetness unique to the large bean size
- Complex flavor elements impossible to achieve with conventional varieties
A Vision for the Future
"I want to transmit our family's art, our work of many years, discovering the flavors we've learned to bring forth from our mountains, expressed in this cup by way of respect for our environment," Byron shares. This respect for environment and commitment to regenerative practices creates coffee that is, in Byron's words, "the expression of life and the life energy of all the living beings who live in our community."
The Corrales Family from one of our origin trips.
Sold outEach cup of Byron's coffee embodies a powerful truth: regenerative agriculture can produce extraordinary coffee while healing the earth.
Our Byron's Blend is where ancient farming wisdom meets modern artistry. By masterfully combining washed and natural processed Maracaturra coffees, we create a harmonious cup that showcases the finest expressions of both methods. The result is more than a blend – it's a testament to coffee craftsmanship at its peak.
As Byron himself reminds us with characteristic wisdom: we are "celebrating with joy the responsibility of protecting the future of our generations." In every sip, you taste that promise.
Lavender Grace is the Sustainability Consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company.
Roots & Regeneration: Pioneering Regenerative Agriculture
read more
Ethically Sourced, Artisan Roasted:
Crafting exceptional coffee experiences since 1972 through sustainable partnerships and masterful roasting
For over 50 years, we've pioneered sustainable coffee sourcing while perfecting the art of small-batch roasting. Every bean tells a story of environmental stewardship, farmer empowerment, and uncompromising quality.
Global Partners
From Nicaragua's misty mountains to Rwanda's vibrant highlands, our decades-long partnerships with farming communities ensure exceptional coffee while promoting sustainable practices.
Environmental Leadership
From pioneering shade-grown certification to planting over 82,800 trees, our commitment to environmental stewardship sets industry standards.
Artisan Roasting
Each small batch is carefully roasted to perfection, bringing out the unique character of every origin while ensuring consistent, exceptional quality.
Farmer Empowerment
Through innovative programs like our cupping labs and Farmers Thriving Index, we ensure our partners thrive while producing exceptional coffee.
Recognition for Excellence
Honoring Exceptional Craft: A Lifetime of Roasting Mastery
Roaster of the year
good food awards
Honors Superior Taste with Commitment to Social and Environmental Justice
+ Multiple 90+ Reviews
Our Partner Network
Our multi-generational partnerships with farm communities stretch back decades, cultivating relationships as carefully as we roast our award-winning coffee beans
Corrales Family
25+ years of partnership in sustainable coffee cultivation and community development
- THIRD-GENERATION FAMILY RELATIONSHIP - LEADERS IN SHADE-GROWN CULTIVATION - CERTIFIED BIODYNAMIC AND ORGANIC PRACTICES - PIONEERS IN REGENERATIVE FARMING
CECOCAFEN
25+ years of partnership in sustainable coffee cultivation and community development
- CUPPING LAB PROJECT PIONEERS - COMMUNITY-DRIVEN COOPERATIVE - MULTI-GENERATIONAL FARMING EXPERTISE
Guaya'b Cooperative
25+ years of partnership in sustainable coffee cultivation and community development
- CERTIFIED BIRD FRIENDLY HABITAT - ORGANIC CERTIFICATION - SMALL FAMILY FARM COOPERATIVE MODEL - CHAMPIONS OF BIODIVERSITY
Experience Our Legacy
Join us in our mission to create exceptional coffee while making a positive impact on communities and the environment
Cupping Lab Revolution
Developed the world's first cupping labs owned and operated by small-scale farmers and cooperatives
State-of-the-art cupping lab development in Nicaragua. Global Impact that enabled the development of 3rd and 4th wave artisan coffee techniques.
Environmental Leadership
First to establish industry-wide sustainability standards
Community Innovation
This isn't just about buying beans; it's about nurturing relationships that transform communities.
Our true measure of success is the lasting impact we create in coffee-growing communities around the world.
We are continuing the legacy of exceptional coffee that makes a difference.
Lavender Grace is the Sustainability Consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company
Stay in touch - we like to stay connected
Ethically Sourced, Artisan Roasted
read more
Single Origin Club: Flor de Jinotega from Nicaragua
What is a Single Origin coffee? Simply put, these coffees are defined by the place they come from.
Single Origin coffees are from a specific farm or group of farms that make up small cooperatives. You’ll find that most of our Single Origin coffees are light roasted since this brings out their unique aromas and flavor notes.
This month, we’re sharing our Nicaraguan Flor de Jinotega with you, grown by the SOPPEXCCA Cooperative.
About the Farm
Nestled in the mountains above the regional capital Jinotega, the farmers of SOPPEXCCA grow coffee under the protective shade of bananas, mangos, and mahogany, and alongside dense forests providing home to dozens of rare orchids and winter habitat for hundreds of migratory songbirds. Jinotega is the heartland of Nicaragua’s coffee producing zone and many of the country’s finest coffees come from the thousands of small-scale family farms arrayed throughout the department’s lush mountain landscape.
This landscape wasn’t always organized this way. Before the revolution of the 1980s many of these small family farms were actually consolidated in expansive haciendas owned by foreigners and the country’s elite and farmed with the intensive use of agrochemical fertilizers and pesticides. The farmers themselves were hired labor, invariably poorly paid. In fact, the genesis of the revolution itself traces directly to these large farms, and the thousands of farmers without access to land. One of the central demands and outcomes of the revolution was a process of land redistribution whereby farmers gained access to the land they had worked for generations. Cooperatives arose out of the need to organize these small farms in larger economic unions that could market coffee, facilitate much needed financing, and serve the community’s broad social, economic, and environmental needs.
Altitude: 1,200 meters
Processing: Wet/Washed
Farmer: SOPPEXCCA
Varietal: Bourbon, Typica, Caturra
Though relatively small in membership, SOPPEXCCA has emerged as Jinotega’s leading cooperative. The cooperative represents 654 families and is recognized around the world as a leader in the movement to empower small-scale farmers, especially women and youth. SOPPEXCCA has built primary schools in its member communities, alongside pharmacies, cooperative grocery stores, and technical assistance centers. Extensive micro-credit programs offer members access to financing at a discount of 75% compared to locally available commercial finance. Long-term work to develop sustainable coffee production has resulted in a cooperatively-owned organic fertilizer production facility, innovative climate change adaptation efforts, and of course, ongoing coffee quality improvement programs.
Not ready to join the Single Origin Club? Make a one-time purchase of our Flor de Jinotega Light Roast coffee.
September Single Origin Club: Flor de Jinotega
read more
Single Origin Club: Ethiopia Yirgacheffe
What is a Single Origin coffee? Simply put, these coffees are defined by the place they come from. Single Origin coffees are from a specific farm or group of farms that make up small cooperatives. You’ll find that most of our Single Origin coffees are light roasted, bringing out their unique aromas and flavor notes.
We are thrilled to share the fascinating stories behind each coffee. This month, Roastmaster, Jacob Long, hand-picked our Ethiopia Yirgacheffe, which also happens to be one of our 2017 Roaster of the Year award winners! Join our Single Origin Club now to have only the finest of coffees delivered to your doorstep each month
Coffee from Ethiopia
Our Ethiopia Yirgacheffe is one of three award-winning roasts from our 2017 Roaster of the Year prize. It's grown by the Worka Cooperative located in southern Ethiopia at about 2,000 meters above sea level. The cooperative is comprised of around 411 members, and is part of the larger Yirgacheffe Coffee Farmers Cooperatives Union (YCFCU). The Ethiopia Yirgacheffe, Gedeb coffee is picked and pulped and washed on the same day, then to be dried in raised beds for no more than seven days.
"Delicate, deeply sweet. Baker’s chocolate, magnolia, peach, black peppercorn, sandalwood in aroma and cup. Gentle, rounded acidity; velvety mouthfeel. The richly drying finish consolidates to baker’s chocolate and peach. An engaging coffee particularly appealing to those who value delicate, cocoa-toned coffees with gentle acidity and engaging spice notes. Reassuring environmental and socio-economic credentials.” -coffeereview.com
Altitude: 2,000+ meters
Processing: Washed, dried in raised beds
Farmer: Worka Co-op (YCFCU)
Varietal: Indigenous heirloom varietals
Not ready to join the Single Origin Club? Make a one-time purchase of our Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Light Roast coffee.
July Single Origin Club: Ethiopia Yirgacheffe
read more
The Story Of SOPPEXCCA: Empowerment Through Coffee
In the verdant highlands of Jinotega, Nicaragua, a revolutionary approach to gender equity is transforming the coffee industry. Led by the visionary Fátima Ismael, SOPPEXCCA cooperative operates on a powerful belief: "Women's independence can only be achieved through economic autonomy and awareness."
"This groundbreaking initiative doesn't just produce exceptional coffee – it creates a model for sustainable economic justice." – Thanksgiving Coffee Company
What makes this partnership unique is SOPPEXCCA's pioneering recognition of women's traditionally invisible contributions to coffee production. This approach addresses a global challenge documented extensively by international organizations including the United Nations.
Fátima Ismael, SOPPEXCCA'S General Manager
The $40,000 Unpaid Work Fund: Valuing Invisible Labor
Since 2013, Thanksgiving Coffee Company has committed an additional $0.10 per pound of green coffee purchased from SOPPEXCCA – specifically allocated to recognize women's unpaid work. This initiative has now generated over $40,000 supporting women's economic empowerment.
The Global Context of Unpaid Labor
According to UN Women research:
- Unpaid care work is essential to functioning economies but often goes uncounted and unrecognized
- Women—particularly from low-income, migrant, and racialized groups—perform more than three-quarters of unpaid care and domestic work globally
- If women's unpaid work were assigned monetary value, it would exceed up to 40% of GDP in some countries
Measurable Impact in Nicaragua
The SOPPEXCCA initiative has created transformative changes for women:
- Improved relationships among women in rural communities
- Increased active participation in economic decision-making processes
- Development of creative potential within family economies
- Financial independence through personal savings accounts
- Growing cooperative membership among women
"8 March ... Day of commemoration and new commitments for a world of equality, equity and respect .. Greetings female producers, friends and companions who have been with this organization on their way that has not been easy but together we have overcome a thousand adversities and will continue to be fighting ..." Soppexcca
Woman Farmers of Soppexcca Cooperative - Jinotego, Nicaragua
Environmental Stewardship Meets Social Justice
Shade Grown Coffee: Critical Habitat for Migratory Songbirds
SOPPEXCCA's commitment extends beyond economic justice. Their shade-grown cultivation methods create essential winter habitats for migratory songbirds, demonstrating how sustainable agriculture directly contributes to biodiversity conservation.
"When you choose SOPPEXCCA coffee, you're supporting both women's empowerment and environmental stewardship – values at the heart of Thanksgiving Coffee Company."
Woman Farmers from the Soppexxcca Cooperative - Jinotega, Nicaragua
The Economic Impact Of Ethical Investment
UN Women's research reveals that investing in care infrastructure creates three times more jobs than equivalent investment in construction, with 70-90% of these jobs benefiting women.
The SOPPEXCCA fund represents precisely this kind of strategic investment.
Read about our support for the women of Soppexcca:
"Recognizing the Value of Womens Unpaid Work".
Celebrate the Women Coffee Farmers of Soppexcca
Try this delicious coffee and support a more balanced and just economy for the women of Soppexcca.
Lavender Grace is the Sustainability Consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company.
Women Powering Change: SOPPEXCCA's Revolutionary Approach to Economic Justice in Coffee
read more
Pioneering Regenerative Agriculture
High in Nicaragua's pristine Arenal Forest Reserve, at 1,500 meters above sea level, Finca los Pinos stands as a testament to agricultural transformation. Here, Byron Corrales and his family have spent over four decades pioneering a different way of farming coffee. Since embracing organic practices in 1986, they've developed an innovative approach that works in perfect harmony with nature. Through their dedication to biodynamic farming, they've not only twice earned top honors for their extraordinary coffee, but they've also created a model for sustainable agriculture that's changing how we think about coffee cultivation.
Sarah Corrales on her families coffee farm
Byron Corrales hugging a tree on his family coffee farm
A Legacy of Excellence
Our relationship with the Corrales family spans three generations, witnessing their evolution from traditional farming to becoming leaders in biodynamic agriculture. Byron's innovative spirit led him to develop the exceptional Maracaturra variety, a unique hybrid that produces remarkably large beans – distinctively bigger than typical Arabica coffee beans. This size isn't just for show; it allows for exceptional taste elements that smaller beans simply cannot achieve, delivering a remarkable sweetness and richness in every cup.
Benita Corrales, Byron's mother
The first meeting with Thanksgiving Coffee Company in 1992- Left Byron Corrales, Right Arnulfo Corrales
Arnulfo Corrales, Byron's father
Left to right - Thanksgiving Coffee's Co-Founder Paul Katzeff, Byron Corrales, and Nick Hodgkins (Etico -The ethical trading company)
the Art Of Processing
Byron with drying natural Maracaturra coffee beans.
Corrales' artisanal approach to processing begins long before the cherries reach the beneficio (drying patio). On his farm, every element serves an integral function in creating exceptional coffee. This includes the carefully selected forage crops sustaining his cattle, whose manure enriches the compost used around the coffee trees, as well as the diverse pollinators - from honeybees to other beneficial insects - that support optimal cherry development.
For Corrales, successful coffee processing stems from creating a balanced, thriving ecosystem that produces the highest quality cherries possible for processing. This foundation of environmental harmony directly influences the clarity and complexity of his final cup.
The Natural process is when the coffee cherries are dried whole, without removing the pulp or using water or machines, and has become Byron’s preferred method for many reasons, as he explained in this video. It is a very good choice to reduce the use of fossil fuels and for water conservation, as well as the added antioxidant health benefits.
The Living Systems Of Los Pinos
At Finca los Pinos, every element serves multiple purposes in an intricate dance of mutual support:
- Native and planted trees provide essential shade and soil health
- Free-ranging cattle contribute to natural fertilization cycles
- Coffee cherry pulp (cascara) is recycled into nutritious cattle feed
- Birds and beneficial insects maintain natural pest control
- Pine trees create unique conditions that enhance both soil and coffee quality
Los Pinos coffee farm looking out over the forest
Soil: The Foundation of Life
Byron Corrales with his hands full of soil
Byron's approach to soil health demonstrates the core principles of regenerative agriculture. "The farmers that produce with agrochemicals and herbicides destroy the life of the soil," he observes. "We protect it." This protection includes:
- Maintaining ground cover to retain moisture
- Supporting microorganism and mycorrhizal networks
- Using natural fertilization methods
- Working with, rather than against, natural processes
“I feel really happy that those who drink my coffee are drinking a cup of life”
Byron Corrales
Climate Resilience Through Diversity
Great video produced by Viva La Finca - Virtual origin experience - Byron Corrales of Finca Los Pinos
Understanding the challenges of climate change, Byron has implemented robust adaptation strategies:
- Diverse tree species for enhanced shade coverage
- Strengthened soil biology
- Natural mineral enrichment
- Water conservation systems
The Unique Maracaturra Experience
This regenerative approach culminates in the cultivation of Maracaturra, a special variety found only at Finca los Pinos. This unique hybrid of Maragoype and Caturra (Bourbon) produces a truly exceptional coffee with:
- Juicy apricot aromatics
- Rich cashew nuttiness
- A deeply toned sweet cacao finish
- Remarkable sweetness unique to the large bean size
- Complex flavor elements impossible to achieve with conventional varieties
A Vision for the Future
"I want to transmit our family's art, our work of many years, discovering the flavors we've learned to bring forth from our mountains, expressed in this cup by way of respect for our environment," Byron shares. This respect for environment and commitment to regenerative practices creates coffee that is, in Byron's words, "the expression of life and the life energy of all the living beings who live in our community."
The Corrales Family from one of our origin trips.
Each cup of Byron's coffee embodies a powerful truth: regenerative agriculture can produce extraordinary coffee while healing the earth.
Our Byron's Blend is where ancient farming wisdom meets modern artistry. By masterfully combining washed and natural processed Maracaturra coffees, we create a harmonious cup that showcases the finest expressions of both methods. The result is more than a blend – it's a testament to coffee craftsmanship at its peak.
As Byron himself reminds us with characteristic wisdom: we are "celebrating with joy the responsibility of protecting the future of our generations." In every sip, you taste that promise.
Lavender Grace is the Sustainability Consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company.
Roots & Regeneration: Pioneering Regenerative Agriculture
read more
Beyond The Bean: Buzzing with Biodiversity
Your morning coffee can be more than just a boost—it can drive positive change. With our Smithsonian Bird Friendly® certification and our Bee Bold Alliance initiative, we're turning your daily coffee ritual into a force for good. Here's how we're making waves in the world of sustainable agriculture while serving up exceptional coffee.
Butterfly on coffee leaf, Soppexxcca Coop, Nicaragua
Cultivating Natural Ecosystems
Our coffee farming goes beyond conventional methods. We nurture complete ecosystems where coffee plants thrive alongside native flora and fauna. A single coffee tree can support over 100 insect species, enhancing biodiversity on our farms.
coffee beans ripening in the understory of the forest canopy
Our Environmental Commitments
Our commitment to biodiversity is reflected in two key initiatives:
AT ORIGIN
Smithsonian Bird Friendly ® Certification: This certification is literally the environmental gold standard in the sustainable coffee industry. As holders of the Smithsonian Bird Friendly® certification since 2015, we adhere to the most comprehensive, science-based standards in the coffee industry. This certification requires:
- Multiple layers of native tree canopy providing crucial wildlife habitat
- USDA Organic certification as a foundation, ensuring chemical-free farming
- Regular third-party inspections verifying our environmental impact
- Documented support of migratory birds and local biodiversity
Did you know? A single coffee tree on a certified farm can support over 100 distinct insect species!
AT HOME
The Bee Bold Alliance: This is our initiative to restore biodiversity and support local food security through pollinator protection. The vision is to create a regenerative ecology network in our community for comprehensive pollinator protection. Here are the key principles guiding our path forward:
- Protecting the Soil: We're working toward eliminating harmful pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides from our farming practices. This transition aims to create healthier environments for pollinators while maintaining productive coffee cultivation.
- Watershed Stewardship: Our growing commitment includes developing better water conservation practices, reducing fertilizer usage, and implementing responsible waste management systems.
- Fostering Pollinator Forage: We're exploring ways to integrate more flowering plants throughout our local farms, aiming to provide year-round nutrition that supports healthy pollinator populations.
- Honoring Indigenous Wisdom: We're beginning to build relationships with Native/First Nation peoples in our growing regions, seeking to learn from their traditional knowledge and collaborate on sustainable solutions for the future.
We're reaching out to neighboring farms and communities, inviting them to join us in protecting pollinators. This initiative is beginning to form, and we believe that together, we can create meaningful change.
The Impact of Your Coffee Choice
We believe in the power of collective action. Here are ways you can participate in this journey:
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Choose coffee that aligns with your environmental values
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Cultivate native wildflowers in your garden or community spaces
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Consider natural pest management practices
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Create undisturbed areas in your garden to provide natural habitats
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Learn about pollinator-friendly plants suitable for your local ecosystem
Moving Forward Together
We're at an exciting point in our environmental journey, where your choice of coffee can help shape future agricultural practices. Our Bird Friendly® certified coffee demonstrates our established commitment to environmental stewardship, while our developing Bee Bold Coffee initiative shows where we're heading. By choosing these products, you're not just selecting quality coffee—you're supporting the evolution of sustainable and pollinator-friendly agriculture.
Join us on this journey toward biodiversity conservation through sustainable agriculture. Your support through choosing our Bird Friendly® certified coffee and Bee Bold Coffee helps create positive environmental change, one cup at a time.
Lavender Grace is the Sustainable Ecology Consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company