$25.00
Experience the distinguished flavors of this shade-grown Mexican decaf from Chiapas, Mexico’s leading coffee region. Carefully cultivated by smallholder farmers at high altitudes, this coffee delivers a balanced profile with notes of cocoa, brown sugar, and warm raisin sweetness. Using the Mountain Water Process (MWP) in Veracruz, Mexico, this chemical-free decaffeination preserves flavor while removing 99.9% of caffeine. Mexico’s coffee industry supports over 450,000 smallholder farmers, contributing significantly to rural livelihoods. By choosing this exceptional brew, you’re supporting sustainable farming practices and cooperative-driven development that transforms communities across Mexico’s coffee regions.
Origin and Growing Region
Our Mexico Chiapas Lake Mist Decaf coffee comes from the verdant highlands of Chiapas in southern Mexico, a region that contributes 31% of the nation's coffee production. Cultivated by dedicated smallholder farmers who are part of Mexico's robust cooperative farming system, this coffee thrives in the ideal growing conditions of Mexico's high-altitude regions. Chiapas is home to over 400 cooperatives and 178,000 producers, with 95% operating small-scale farms under 3 hectares.
The coffee is predominantly shade-grown Arabica, benefiting from the rich biodiversity of Mexico's traditional cultivation methods where coffee is often intercropped with citrus and food crops. This traditional approach enhances the coffee's distinctive flavor profile while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Mountain Water Process Decaffeination
This coffee undergoes the exceptional Mountain Water Process (MWP) decaffeination, performed by Descamex in Veracruz, Mexico. MWP is similar to the Swiss Water Process (SWP) in principle, but each is performed by different companies in different geographic locations. While SWP is done in Burnaby, British Columbia, MWP uses the pure water from the glaciers of Pico de Orizaba, Mexico's highest mountain.
The process works by soaking green coffee beans in hot water to dissolve caffeine and flavor compounds. This water passes through special filters that capture only caffeine molecules, creating a solution rich in coffee flavors but free of caffeine. Fresh beans are then soaked in this flavor-rich, caffeine-free solution. Since the solution is already saturated with coffee solids, only caffeine migrates from the beans into the water until they reach 99.9% caffeine-free status.
This chemical-free method preserves more of the coffee's original flavor compounds than other decaffeination processes, allowing you to enjoy the full spectrum of taste without the caffeine. For our Mexico Chiapas Lake Mist Decaf, MWP provides an added connection to its Mexican heritage, as the decaffeination occurs in the same country where the coffee is grown.
Flavor Profile
This exceptional decaf offers a delightful combination of cocoa, brown sugar, and raisin notes. Despite undergoing decaffeination, it retains its characteristic medium body and balanced acidity. The resulting cup delivers a smooth, satisfying experience with subtle sweetness that makes it perfect for afternoon and evening enjoyment. Whether brewed as a pour-over, French press, or espresso, this coffee maintains its distinguished character and nuanced flavor profile.
Sustainable Farming and Economic Impact
Mexico is a global leader in both shade-grown and organic coffee production. These sustainable farming practices significantly impact smallholder livelihoods across the country. Coffee farming is a crucial source of cash income for rural families, many of whom rely on it to pay for food, education, and healthcare.
Coffee is Mexico's number one agricultural export crop, contributing significantly to the nation's economy. The coffee sector supports approximately 450,000 smallholder farmers, representing roughly one-quarter of rural households. These producers typically cultivate small plots on Mexico's hillside farms, with an average size of 2.9 hectares.
On the world stage, Mexico contributes to the global coffee trade with a forecast production of 3.89 million 60-kilogram bags for 2024/25. While this represents less than 5% of global production (compared to Brazil's 50+ million bags), Mexico has built a strong reputation in specialty coffee circles, particularly for its organic and shade-grown varieties.
Cooperative Support System
Mexico's shade-grown coffee production relies heavily on cooperatives that serve as vital support systems for producers. These cooperatives offer technical assistance, financing, and guaranteed markets for their beans. They handle processing, commercialization, and the final sale of the coffee, ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation for their high-quality crops.
By choosing our Mexico Chiapas Lake Mist Decaf, you're not just enjoying a premium coffee experience—you're supporting a sustainable agricultural system that preserves traditional farming practices while providing economic opportunities for farming communities throughout Mexico.
Experience the rich heritage and exceptional quality of Mexican coffee with every cup. Order now to savor this remarkable decaffeinated brew that doesn't compromise on flavor!
