MEXICO COFFEE REGION OF CAPULIN
The Essence of the Nayarit Highlands
The region's magic begins with the land itself. Located in the state of Nayarit on the western slopes of the Sierra Madre Occidental, the highlands near the capital, Tepic, are a paradise for producing complex beans. This is a world of distinct microclimates, where rolling hills at altitudes of 800–1,400 meters create a mosaic of temperature and humidity, and ancient volcanic soils provide the perfect mineral-rich foundation.
This rich terroir is enhanced by a gentle, humid breeze drifting in from the Pacific, ensuring a slow, even maturation of the coffee cherries. This also means coffee has been cultivated here for over 150 years, with records showing a French immigrant family beginning the tradition as early as 1860. In March 2026, this exceptional quality was officially recognized when "Café Nayarit" was granted Protected Designation of Origin (DO) status by the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI), a testament to its unique terroir. This designation encompasses 2,367 coffee producers across the municipalities of Xalisco, San Blas, Compostela, and Ruiz.
A Flavor of Conscientious Craft
This distinct natural environment creates a cup profile that is as unique as its history. Here is what you can typically expect from a specialty coffee from the Nayarit region:
This unique character is not an accident; it's the direct result of a rigorous and caring process that begins with the 100% Arabica Typica, Bourbon, and Caturra coffee cherries.
The Art of Traditional Processing
The core of a true Nayarit coffee lies in its meticulous, natural processing, a stark contrast to modern industrial methods:
• Hand-Crafted Harvest: Producers begin by hand-selecting only the "fully mature, red, ripe" coffee cherries from the trees, ensuring only the highest quality fruit enters the process.
• Sun-Dried Perfection: The cherries are then laid out on large patios to dry under the sun. This allows them to slowly and evenly dehydrate over several weeks while their fruity mucilage is gently infused into the bean.
• Hand-Crafted Sorting: After drying, the beans are meticulously hand-sorted, a process that removes any twigs, stones, or imperfect beans. This final, quality check, ensures every bean is of the highest standard.
The Sustainable Impact of a Cup
This dedication extends beyond the farm. Capulín is leading a quiet revolution in the coffee world, proving that a cup of coffee can be a powerful vehicle for social and environmental change.
Shade-Grown Sanctuaries
Nayarit's coffee is traditionally grown under a canopy of native trees. This method, known as "jungle shade grown," preserves vital wildlife corridors. These sustainable farms provide a refuge and protect critical habitat for around 150–200 jaguars (Panthera onca) in the Sierra de Vallejo and Sierra de San Juan, proving that quality coffee and biodiversity can thrive together.
Fair & Democratic Producer Networks
The coffee sector in Nayarit is revolutionizing the traditional supply chain through innovative producer networks. Grupo Terruño Nayarita (GTNay) is a holding company founded in 2015 to help smallholder farmers reach the international market. GTNay flips the typical cooperative model on its head by allowing each independent society—which range in size from just 5 to 60 members—to run its own operations with full democratic control, all while sharing ownership in the export company to ensure total transparency.
Healthier Communities
Producers of Capulín coffee proudly claim it is possibly the best-tasting, and it is also rigorously tested to be mold and mycotoxin-free, and certified Organic, Kosher, and GMO-free—a testament to the purity of the growing environment and traditional processing methods.