Veteran-Owned French Settlement Roasting Co. and Their Direct Trade Nicaraguan Beans

Discover how French Settlement Roasting Co., a veteran-owned coffee company, partners directly with Nicaraguan farmers to source organic, specialty-grade coffee grown in the Canta Gallo mountains of Northern Esteli.

From Seed to Cup: French Settlement Roasting Co.’s Direct Trade Journey with Nicaraguan Coffee Farmers

At French Settlement Roasting Co., we’re not just selling coffee; we’re offering you a connection—one that begins high in the Canta Gallo mountains of Northern Esteli, Nicaragua, and ends in your cup. As a veteran-owned, organic, specialty-grade coffee company, our mission is to create something truly remarkable by working directly with farmers who share our commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical farming practices.

Building Relationships, Not Just Transactions

Our connection with the farmers who grow our coffee is personal. We don’t just purchase beans; we cultivate relationships. The farms we work with, like Finca Las Dos Marias, are small, family-owned operations that care deeply about every step of the coffee-growing process. They treat their coffee plants with the same level of dedication we put into roasting their beans.

Nicaragua has a long history of coffee cultivation, but it’s the rich, fertile soil in the Canta Gallo mountains that makes this region special. The volcanic earth provides nutrients, while the high altitude (1350 meters above sea level) slows the maturation of the coffee cherries, allowing their complex flavors to fully develop. This combination of factors results in a bean with incredible depth, sweetness, and a diverse flavor profile.

Nicaraguan Beans: Cultivated with Care, Roasted with Precision

The farmers we work with take a hands-on approach to every aspect of the growing process. From seed to cup, as they say, no step is overlooked. The coffee plants are nurtured from the nursery, grown in high-elevation, shaded environments, and never exposed to harmful chemicals or fertilizers. This is a partnership that goes beyond just organic—it’s about sustainability and a long-term commitment to both the land and the people who work it.

The micro-lot method of farming means each batch is small, unique, and handled with care. These micro-lots are shade-dried, enhancing the beans’ flavors even further. For direct trade customers like us, the farmers are willing to customize fermentations to meet our specific roasting needs. It’s a relationship built on trust, communication, and a shared passion for excellent coffee.

Why Direct Trade Matters

At French Settlement Roasting Co., we believe in transparency. We know where our coffee comes from, and we want you to know too. By cutting out middlemen, we’re able to offer our customers not only exceptional coffee but also the peace of mind that comes from knowing that the farmers are paid fairly for their hard work.

Working directly with farmers also allows us to ensure that every bean meets our high standards. The Nicaraguan beans we source include unique varieties like Red Bourbon, which is known for its deep, buttery chocolate flavors with light fruit overtones, and Geisha, a prized variety with complex, floral notes of jasmine, chocolate, and honey. These beans are not just commodities; they’re expressions of the land, the farmer’s dedication, and our craftsmanship as roasters.

Our Nicaraguan Offerings: A Taste of the Canta Gallo Mountains

We pride ourselves on bringing you a variety of Nicaraguan coffee that speaks to the richness and diversity of the region. Here are a few of the unique beans we offer, sourced directly from the Canta Gallo cooperative and surrounding farms:

Red Bourbon: Known for its sweetness and chocolatey undertones, this bean is perfect for those who love a balanced, rich cup of coffee. With a cupping score of 84, it’s a medium-yield coffee that brings out a buttery texture and light fruit hints.

Geisha: One of the most sought-after beans in the world, Geisha’s complexity is unparalleled. Notes of mango, peach, raspberry, and floral jasmine make this bean stand out, offering a clean, crisp cup with natural sweetness.

Java: Known for its low acidity and intense body, Java has an earthy sweetness that lingers, providing a richer and more intense flavor experience than most coffees.

Caturra: This variety is a true treasure, offering a balance of sweetness and acidity with citrus notes and a touch of chocolate. After being nearly wiped out by the 2012 coffee leaf rust pandemic, Caturra has made a strong comeback, and its quality shines through in every cup.

Veteran-Owned, Passion-Driven

Our story is rooted in a love for both coffee and country. As a veteran-owned business, we understand the importance of commitment, discipline, and hard work. Just as we served our country with pride, we approach our coffee with the same level of dedication and passion. We want every sip of French Settlement coffee to reflect our values—authenticity, integrity, and a deep respect for the process.

Much like the rich coffee history of New Orleans—where French Settlement Roasting Co. was born—our journey has been one of discovery, growth, and tradition. The port of New Orleans has been a hub for coffee imports since the 1700s, and today, it remains one of the largest green coffee trading hubs in the country. For us, it’s more than just geography—it’s about legacy.

From Nicaragua to New Orleans: A Tradition of Excellence

It’s no coincidence that we’ve chosen to partner with farmers in Nicaragua, a country with deep coffee-growing roots. The Canta Gallo mountains, with their temperate forests and nutrient-rich soil, provide the perfect conditions for cultivating some of the finest beans in the world. By working directly with these farmers, we’re able to offer our customers a coffee experience that’s as rich and diverse as the land it comes from.

Whether it’s the fruity complexity of Geisha, the smooth chocolate tones of Red Bourbon, or the earthy depth of Java, we’ve got a coffee that will satisfy even the most discerning of palates. And as we continue to grow, we’ll never forget the relationships and traditions that got us here.

Final Thoughts: Sip with Purpose

At French Settlement Roasting Co., every cup tells a story. From the mountains of Nicaragua to the bustling coffee culture of New Orleans, we’re proud to be part of a legacy that values quality, sustainability, and human connection. So the next time you brew a cup of our coffee, know that you’re not just drinking an exceptional brew—you’re supporting the farmers who poured their heart and soul into growing it.

If you’re looking for a coffee that’s as rich in flavor as it is in history, look no further. We invite you to join us on this journey, one cup at a time.