Peru Chirinos

Country: Peru
Region: Cajamarca, San Ignacio Province
Producer: La Prosperidad de Chirinos
Elevation: 1300-2000 masl
Process: Washed

Tasting Notes:
Dried Plum, Almond Bark, Custard

Roaster's Notes:
Founded in 1968, La Prosperidad de Chirinos, also known as “Chirinos” is currently comprised of 810 producer members and is situated in the San Ignacio Province at 1800 meters. They have made tremendous investments in their lab and quality control training program, both for employees and for producer members.
Chirinos exports 145 containers per year – 75% of which is FTO Certified and approximately 25% is women produced coffee.  For the past several years, Chirinos has been working hard to highlight exemplary micro-lots from dedicated members.  Located anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours away from the community, most producers have around 4-5 hectares of land. The vast majority of this coffee comes from high altitudes, giving it great complexity and sought after acidity.  During our stay, we had the opportunity to visit four cooperative members.  One of the most fascinating features of this cooperative is their dedication to their members’ well-being through the diversification of their lands.  Past and current projects include:
Sheep: Each producer receives two sheep.  When they reproduce, the offspring are passed on to new  producers, joining the co-op.
Guinea Pigs: Farmers are sold 1 male guinea pig and 6 female guinea pigs, and are trained on how to raise them.  Guinea Pigs, known as “cuy” are consumed regularly as a source of protein.
Trout: Over 40 producers have been trained to farm trout, and have their own man-made fresh water trout ponds on their land.  Fish are raised without the use of antibiotics, chemicals or synthetic products. Several farmers have over 1,000 trout.