COLOMBIA Santa Marta Colombian organic rainforest coffee is from the farms of Tolima, Onaca, and Manzanares, located on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The Cogis and Arhuacos are indigenous people who inhabit the Sierra. They consider it to be the heart of the world, the power of the planet from which emanates the energy that maintains a balance in nature. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is the highest tropical coast mountain range in the world. The climate varies from tropical at sea level to cold in the snow-covered peaks; it includes all temperatures and innumerable microclimates between the lower and upper limits. Coffee is just one of many crops grown at varying altitudes in this region where nature has been generous. More than a century ago, the first coffee growers appeared along the banks of the Piedras and Manzanares Rivers, planting the Typica variety. They also planted tapioca, bananas, plantains, corn, and caladium. Farmers were attracted by the stories that the coffee of the Sierra Nevada was considered one of the best quality coffees in the American Market. A few of the most enterprising began to acquire small farms, and organize them in to three large farms called El Tolima, Onaca, and Manzanares. Why is this organic coffee special? The geography, geology, climate, vegetation, pure water sources, and sustainable eco systems, which characterize the farms of Tolima, Onaca, and Manzanares, hold the answers to its special taste and aroma. The numerous fresh water springs found on the three farms is a major source of water for the Piedras and Manzanares Rivers, and from these rivers the city of Santa Marta draws its water supply. The springs also keep the soil moist on the farms, even when the weather is very dry. The extensive forest areas are home to a large number of migratory birds that derive some of their food supply from the fruit and insects found in the trees. Some examples are the sparrow hawk; solitary sandpiper, blackbird, buchipecosa, and bluewarbler ... There are also birds that are indigenous to this region, such as the macaw, toucan, bag bird, azulejo, and parrot among others. Coffee Specifications Species: 75% Arabica, 20% Colombia, 5% Caturra Grade: European Preparation Altitude: 3,500 – 5,500 ft. Shade: Traditional Polyculture Description: Medium body, medium-high acidity, sound sweet chocolate flavor Certification: Eco-Cert / QAI / Rainforest Alliance.
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