Ecuador | Tesoro de Zumba | Typica Mejorado | Natural

Region: Chinchipe, Zamora Chinchipe 

Elevation: 1200-1650 masl

About: In Ecuador’s southern province of Zamora Chinchipe, the town of Zumba sits at the centre of a coffee-growing region shaped by trade, migration, and generations of smallholder farming. Unlike many towns established during Spanish colonisation, Zumba developed naturally as a meeting point between Ecuador and Peru, a history that continues to influence the region’s strong sense of exchange and community. 

The producers behind Tesoros de Zumba are locally known as “Charapanos”, a name drawn from a resilient species of ant and used to describe the determination of the people who farm these mountains. Many families have cultivated coffee here for three or four generations, preserving traditional varieties such as Typica and Bourbon alongside diverse agroforestry systems that include shade trees, fruit crops, and beekeeping. 

Coffee remains central to life in Zumba, supporting families across generations while shaping the region’s agricultural identity. Through ongoing refinement in fermentation, drying, and farm management, producers continue to build coffees that reflect both the biodiversity of Zamora Chinchipe and the longstanding traditions carried through the community.

Sourced from the Chinchipe region of Zamora Chinchipe, Ecuador, this lot represents the work of the Charapanos producers. The coffee features the Typica Mejorado varietal, a plant type often discussed in the context of Typica lineages. Processed using the natural method, this coffee reflects the specific terroir of the region, grown at elevations between 1200 and 1650 masl. Natural-processed coffees are frequently noted for their potential to develop heavier fruit profiles and increased sweetness during the drying stage, characteristics that can be explored further using our flavor wheel.

This selection is brought to you by Proud Mary Coffee, highlighting the unique output of the Tesoro de Zumba farm. By focusing on the intersection of specific varietal genetics and traditional drying techniques, this offering provides a clear look at the evolving landscape of Ecuadorian specialty coffee production.