Colombia Nariño - La Unión Washed
Colombia Nariño - A Step Above The Rest
Colombia is synonymous with exceptional coffee, and for good reason. Nestled among towering peaks and lush valleys, Colombian coffee farms produce some of the most sought-after beans in the world. Among these, our Colombia Nariño – La Unión Washed selection stands out as an extraordinary showcase of craftsmanship, sustainability, and rich coffee heritage.
Grower: FUDAM
Region: Nariño
Cultivar: Castillo, Caturra
Altitude: 1500-2200 masl
Process: Washed
Drying: Mechanically dried
Roast Level: Medium
Roast Body: Mild
Cupping Notes: Poached Pear, Citrus, Cola
A Coffee Region Unlike Any Other
The Nariño region is located in southwestern Colombia, bordering Ecuador, and is known for its mountainous terrain and volcanic soils. Grown in the high-altitude portion, this exclusive coffee benefits from the unique topography of La Unión.
In this region, most farms are situated lower than the surrounding towns, unlike many other coffee-growing areas in Colombia. With an altitude range of 1,500–2,200 meters above sea level (masl), these conditions allow for slow bean maturation and complex flavor development.
Most of the soil in Nariño is volcanic, formed by volcanoes like Galeras, an active, million year old stratovolcano. Galeras is part of the Andean Mountain Range and is considered the most active volcano in Colombia. Coffee grown in Nariño greatly benefits from the nutrients and minerals that Galeras provides, enhancing the acidity, sweetness, body, and overall complexity of the coffee.
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Meet The Growers at FUDAM
Behind this exceptional coffee is FUDAM or the Fundación Agraria y Ambiental Para el Desarrollo Sostenible (translation: Agrarian and Environmental Foundation for Sustainable Development). This association is made up of 300 organic and Rainforest Alliance-certified farmers in the Nariño region. Founded in 2000 by just seven dedicated producers, FUDAM is committed to sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and fostering a new generation of coffee growers.
Despite being the world's third-largest producer of coffee, Colombia was ranked only 15th for organic coffee production in 2020. The overwhelmingly low percentage of organic coffee coming out of Colombia is due to a multitude of factors.
Colombian farms tend to be small, multi-generational operations whose traditional farming methods have withstood the test of time. Switching to organic farming methods would not only raise their production costs, but would also likely produce smaller yields. Those yields could potentially be more susceptible to disease and pests, putting even more of the producers' profits at risk. Many established farmers won't put their livelihoods at risk to switch to organic farming.
FUDAM farmers, however, continue to embrace organic practices despite growing pressures to use chemical inputs. The association also provides an array of beneficial resources to its community, including agricultural trainings, women’s and children’s advocacy programs and anti-violent initiatives, all benefiting the Nariño region. Their philosophy is simple yet profound:
"This is just how we live. These are our values and our way of life."
By adopting organic farming, while preserving traditional growing methods and mentoring young farmers, FUDAM ensures that both the environment and the community continue to thrive.
The Journey From Cherry to Cup
The careful cultivation of Castillo and Caturra varietals in Nariño results in an elegant, balanced coffee. After being meticulously handpicked from the slopes, the ripened coffee cherries go through a serious of processes to ensure quality and consistency.
Depulping: Freshly harvested cherries are depulped in the afternoon after a full day of picking
Fermentation: The beans are fermented dry for 16-24 hours, allowing for flavor development
Washing: The beans are washed two or three times to remove remaining mucilage
Drying: Methods vary, but beans are typically dried in parabolic dryers, mechanical dryers, or small "casa elbas".
Thanks to meticulous organic growing practices and time-honored processing techniques in Nariño, this medium roast coffee is a delicious testament to Colombian coffee. Expect a mild body, with a bright, refreshing profile, and cupping notes of poached pear, citrus, and cola. Each sip delivers a smooth yet lively experience that reflects the terroir of Nariño.
The Heart of Colombian Coffee Culture
Colombia’s coffee culture is deeply rooted in tradition and pride. Coffee is not just an export commodity—it’s a way of life. From small family farms to large cooperatives, coffee farming is a multi-generational craft passed down with care and expertise.
Daily life in coffee-growing regions revolves around cultivation, processing, and social gatherings centered around coffee. In many Colombian homes, the day begins with a warm cup of tinto, a strong black coffee often sweetened with panela (raw sugar cane). The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills plazas and markets, serving as a backdrop to everyday conversations and community connections.
Colombian farmers take great pride in their work, often going to great lengths to produce the highest quality beans. Sustainability and innovation are at the forefront, ensuring that future generations continue to enjoy and benefit from the country’s rich coffee heritage.
How Do I Get This Coffee?
Fresh Roasted Coffee’s Roaster’s Choice program is your gateway to discovering the world’s finest coffees. This exclusive Roaster’s Choice selection is more than just a great cup of coffee. Each sip delivers a smooth yet lively experience that reflects the terroir of Nariño, and the culture of Colombia. Order a Roaster's Choice subscription before May 12th, 2025 to try it for yourself!
Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC offers Roaster's Choice coffees in bagged coffee as well as classic pods. Subscribers can choose from 3-, 6- or 12- month subscription plans.
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