Natural coffees are often associated with big, jammy fruit flavours and a heavier sweetness, but this lot from Los Naranjos in El Salvador takes a more balanced approach. Think ripe stone fruit, a lively citrus kick, and just enough caramel sweetness to bring everything together. It’s the kind of coffee that feels fruity and refreshing without losing that comforting sweetness we look for in a good cup.

Los Naranjos sits in the Apaneca-Ilamatepec mountain range in western El Salvador, a region known for its volcanic soils, varied microclimates, and long history of coffee growing. The coffee comes from Los Naranjos farm, where a mix of Bourbon, Pacas, and Catimor varieties grows among shaded trees. Beyond producing coffee, the farm has built strong ties with the surrounding community, supporting local employment and contributing to projects that benefit families in the area.

This lot is naturally processed, meaning the coffee cherries are dried with the fruit still intact around the beans. As the cherries slowly dry, the sugars and fruit compounds surrounding the beans help develop sweetness and a more pronounced fruity character. It’s a process that can sometimes lead to heavy, fermented flavours if not carefully managed, but when done well, it creates a lovely balance between fruit, sweetness, and the coffee’s own character.

In the cup, this coffee brings together juicy peach, bright lime, and a smooth caramel sweetness. The peach gives it a rounded, almost nectar-like fruitiness, while the lime adds a fresh citrus edge that keeps things lively. Caramel ties it all together with a soft, sweet finish. With a medium body and balanced acidity, Los Naranjos is an easygoing natural that delivers plenty of character without going overboard. Fruity, sweet, and refreshingly balanced.