Ciudad de la Inmaculada Concepción de Loja (to give it it’s full name) is located in the Cuxibamba valley in the Andes highlands found in the south of Ecuador, over 2000 meters above sea level. The hand-picked coffee beans are completely cleaned removing the fruit pulp. The beans are then spread out evenly on ‘sun patios’ where it evenly and slowly dries reducing the moisture content to 11%. The coffee is then stored for at least 30 days and the mucilage is removed just before export. Although the country is blessed with a great coffee climate, volcanic soils and high elevations, it has lacked infrastructure, knowledge, commitment, and the political climate to compete in the specialty coffee arena. This particular Ecuadorian coffee although not commonly available, is showing that the country is trying to improve its reputation. This 100% Typica organic certified coffee has a round body a cheeky tanginess and a fine, chocolatey aftertaste.
