When you’re searching for coffee that’s both flavorful and responsibly sourced, Nicaragua should be on your radar. It may not get as much attention as some of its neighbors, but this country is producing some truly remarkable coffees that are turning heads in the specialty world.

At Mulu Partners, we work directly with farms in Nicaragua to bring you high-quality, fairly traded coffees. Two varieties we’re especially excited about are Catuai and Parainema. Each one offers something different, and both are excellent choices for roasters looking to offer something distinctive and consistent.

Why Nicaragua?

Nicaragua has everything coffee needs to thrive: high elevations, rich volcanic soil, and experienced growers who have been cultivating coffee for generations. Regions like Matagalpa, Jinotega, and Nueva Segovia are known for their ideal growing conditions. Most farms here are small, family-run operations that use traditional, sustainable methods.

What makes Nicaraguan coffee stand out is the balance. You’ll often find smooth chocolate notes, gentle acidity, and just enough fruit to keep things interesting. These coffees tend to be approachable but still layered, which makes them incredibly versatile for roasters.

Catuai: Reliable, Sweet, and Crowd-Pleasing

Catuai is a variety that many farmers in Nicaragua rely on. It’s compact, productive, and well-suited to the country’s terrain. But don’t let the practicality fool you. Catuai offers a sweet, balanced cup that roasters love to work with.

When grown in Nicaragua, Catuai often brings out earthy notes of chocolate or hints of citrus. It has medium acidity and a smooth finish, making it a great option for blends or single-origin roasts. It’s especially popular for espresso because of its body and sweetness.

This is the kind of coffee you can count on. Season after season, it delivers consistency and quality when it’s properly grown and processed.

Source: World Coffee Research – Catuai

Parainema: Bright, Bold, and Full of Character

Parainema is a little less common but definitely worth exploring. Originally developed in Honduras to resist coffee leaf rust, it’s gaining traction in Nicaragua thanks to its unique flavor profile and strong cup quality.

Parainema is known for its lively acidity and complex flavors. Depending on how it’s grown and processed, you might taste tropical fruit, lemongrass, spice, or even a peppery note. It’s the kind of coffee that stands out and gets people talking.

This variety is ideal if you’re looking for something bold and different. It shines as a single origin and works well for pour-over or filter methods where its layers can really show up.

Source: World Coffee Research – Parainema

From the Source, With Intention

At Mulu Partners, we’re committed to sourcing from origin in a way that supports both quality and fairness. We work closely with farmers and cooperatives in Nicaragua, building relationships that are based on trust, transparency, and shared values.

All of our coffee is fairly traded, fully traceable, and carefully selected. When you source through us, you’re not just getting great green coffee. You’re supporting a supply chain that values people and the land as much as the final cup.