The 7 Best Nicaraguan Coffee Brands

Nicaragua is the third largest producer of coffee in Central America, (with Honduras and Guatemala being the first and second, according to the ICO). Coffee has long been a cornerstone to the Nicaraguan economy since the 1800s! Nicaraguan coffee has since been through some difficult times. Wars, hurricanes and import bans all contributed to a significant decrease in demand for Nicaraguan beans. Luckily, those times appear to be in the past, and the reputation of Nicaraguan coffee is constantly on the rise now!

Nicaragua really has a lot to offer, and so we’ve put together a list of what we feel to be the 7 best Nicaraguan coffees out there!

Can’t pick just one? If we had to pick one, it would be the LifeBoost's Mycotoxin Free Coffee!

Nicaraguan coffee farms are typically located at high altitudes. The vast array of mountainous regions provide high elevations, as well as rich, nutrient packed volcanic soils. Nicaraguan coffee farms are often family owned. Coffee roasters partner with these farms through a number of cooperative initiatives that ensure proper compensation to farmers and encourage a high quality output. Meticulous care and organic practices also play a major factor in the high quality of Nicaraguan coffee.

Let's chat briefly about a couple of the more well known coffee growing regions.

Jinotega is located in the North Central region of Nicaragua. The vast majority of Nicaraguan coffee is produced in this region. If you’ve had a Nicaraguan coffee before, chances are that it came from Jinotega! Rich volcanic soils, high elevations, and the shade provided by trees all contribute the the production of high quality Jinotega coffee beans.

Matagalpa is known both as the “Pearl of the North” and “Land of Eternal Spring”. As the title of eternal Spring would imply, warm, Spring-like weather exists year round. Matagalpa is a large city, and exports a number of different goods. Among these exports, of course, is coffee! Matagalpa coffee is known to be of a very high quality, and for a good reason!

Jinotega and Matagalpa are the most commercially available Nicaraguan coffee brands, but there are plenty more to discover too! Segovia produces some great coffee too, but it is unfortunately a little more difficult to get your hands on.

Nicaraguan coffee taste profiles can be quite variable, but you can expect to find at least a few of these signature aspects;

The history of coffee in Nicaragua is deeply rooted in the country's economy and culture. Coffee cultivation in Nicaragua began in the mid-19th century and quickly became a significant agricultural industry.

Coffee was introduced to Nicaragua by European immigrants, primarily from Germany and Italy. The fertile volcanic soils and favorable climate of Nicaragua's highlands provided ideal conditions for coffee production. The first coffee plantations were established in regions such as Matagalpa, Jinotega, and Segovia.

Coffee cultivation in Nicaragua initially faced challenges due to political instability and conflicts. However, by the late 19th century, coffee production began to flourish, and it soon became the country's leading export crop.

Nicaragua's coffee industry saw considerable growth during the early 20th century. Coffee exports brought substantial wealth to the country, leading to economic development and the establishment of infrastructure, including railroads and ports, to facilitate coffee trade. The industry played a vital role in Nicaragua's economy, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the nation's GDP.

The coffee boom in Nicaragua led to the rise of large coffee estates, known as "fincas," where coffee was cultivated on a large scale. These estates employed local workers and contributed to the expansion of coffee production in the country. Nicaraguan coffee gained recognition for its quality and unique flavor profiles.

In the late 20th century, Nicaragua faced challenges related to political instability, natural disasters, and fluctuations in global coffee prices. The industry experienced setbacks, but coffee remained an essential agricultural sector in the country.

Efforts have been made to promote sustainability and fair trade practices within Nicaragua's coffee industry. Many smallholder farmers cultivate coffee using environmentally friendly methods, including shade-grown coffee and organic farming practices.

Today, Nicaragua is known as one of the major coffee-producing countries in Central America. The country's coffee industry supports numerous small-scale farmers who cultivate coffee on family-owned plots. Specialty coffee production has gained prominence, with a focus on high-quality, traceable, and sustainable coffees.

Nicaragua's coffee regions, particularly Matagalpa and Jinotega, have become popular destinations for coffee tourism. Visitors can explore coffee farms, learn about the cultivation and processing techniques, and participate in coffee tastings.

Coffee continues to be a significant part of Nicaraguan culture and heritage. The industry plays a vital role in the country's economy and provides livelihoods for many Nicaraguan families.

And that concludes our look at the best Nicaraguan beans! Hopefully you’ve found a new coffee to try out!

What is your favorite Nicaraguan coffee? Did we miss something that deserves to be in our list? Let us know!