Peru Cajamarca Washed Coffee from Cooperativa SOL Y COOP

Looking for a single-origin coffee with nutty sweetness and creamy undertones? Many coffee drinkers seek out Peruvian beans for their balance, cleanliness, and subtle complexity—but knowing which region, farm, or cooperative delivers those traits takes research. This one comes with clear answers.

Cooperativa SOL Y COOP’s washed coffee from Cajamarca, Peru, is grown between 1800 and 2000 metres above sea level, processed using traditional washed methods, and features a blend of Typica, Caturra, Bourbon, and Catuai varieties. Expect flavours of nuts, caramel, and cream, with bright acidity and a smooth body depending on roast level.

Where This Coffee Comes From

Cooperativa SOL Y COOP was established in 2005 in the Cajamarca region of Peru, located on the eastern slopes of the Andes. The area is surrounded by natural rainforest, providing shade and enriching organic matter. The soil, made up of fine sand, drains well, and frequent afternoon rains support optimal growing conditions. This remote yet fertile location gives the coffee its unique character.

The People Behind the Beans

SOL Y COOP was built with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development and Caritas Jaén, but the members didn’t rest on their laurels. They actively include local indigenous farmers, aiming to improve livelihoods while preserving the distinct flavours of Peruvian coffee. Their focus remains on quality and community impact.

How the Coffee Is Produced

This coffee is processed using the washed method—a traditional technique where coffee cherries are sorted by buoyancy, pulped, fermented to remove the mucilage, thoroughly washed, and then dried. The cooperative employs manual harvesting and processing, avoiding mechanisation. Their commitment to sustainability earned them organic, Rainforest Alliance, and Fair Trade certifications in 2006 and 2007.

Flavour Profile by Roast Level

The coffee shows different characteristics depending on roast level:

• Light to medium roasts highlight bright citrus and floral tones, with notes of almond, milk chocolate, and sweet candied lemon.
• City roasts deepen the profile with jasmine, spices, tropical fruit, honey, vanilla, and rich dark chocolate. Acidity remains crisp, balanced by creamy mouthfeel.

All these profiles arise from the blend of Typica, Caturra, Bourbon, and Catuai—varieties known for their clarity and versatility. The washed process helps maintain the inherent aromas while boosting acidity and cleanliness.

What Makes This Coffee Special

Beyond the flavours, this coffee supports sustainable farming and fair labour practices. Grown at high altitude with careful manual processing, it represents both quality and ethics. The cooperative’s long-term certification and community-focused model ensure traceability and fairness from crop to cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What region is this Peruvian coffee from?

This coffee is from the Cajamarca region in northern Peru. It is grown by members of Cooperativa SOL Y COOP at elevations between 1800 and 2000 metres above sea level.

What coffee varieties are included in this blend?

The lot includes Typica, Caturra, Bourbon, and Catuai. These classic varieties contribute to the coffee’s bright acidity and layered flavour profile.

How is the coffee processed?

It is processed using the washed method, where coffee cherries are depulped, fermented, washed, and then dried. This enhances clarity, cleanliness, and acidity in the cup.

What certifications does the producer have?

The cooperative holds organic, Rainforest Alliance, and Fair Trade certifications, achieved in 2006 and 2007. These reflect their commitment to sustainability and ethical trading.

How should this coffee be roasted to best enjoy its flavours?

For brighter, citrusy notes, try a light to medium roast. For deeper, chocolatey complexity with lingering sweetness, a city roast will bring out more body and spice.

Who produced this coffee and what is their mission?

The coffee is produced by Cooperativa SOL Y COOP, founded in 2005. The coop focuses on including indigenous farmers, preserving traditional methods, and improving local livelihoods through ethically traded, high-quality coffee.

Recommended FrontStreet Washed Coffee Beans from Peru

For a similar washed Peruvian experience, try FrontStreet Coffee’s single-origin offerings. While not the same lot, their selection includes beans from high-altitude regions with bright acidity and clean profiles. Look for their Peru offerings that feature notes of citrus, nuts, and chocolate—similar to the caramel, almond, and cream tones found in this Cajamarca coffee. FrontStreet’s washed Perus often shine at light to city roasts, making them great for pour-over or drip. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.