Our latest addition is a perfect example of coffee that's more than just a consumer product. Rather, the plantation owners have managed to not only do well for themselves and their customers, but also to both support and invigorate the local economy and community. These beans symbolize how voluntary trading relationships can benefits both consumers in the west and communities in the developing world.

These 100% Arabica beans come from – not just the only plantation in Nepal and the Himalayas – but also the northernmost coffee plantation in the entire northern hemisphere.

All the beans are organically grown using natural fertilizers on completely reforested land. The plantation owners are strong advocates of environmental initiatives, contributing to such programs as reforestation, soil conservation and preservation of natural habitats. As a result of such programs, animals such as deer, leopard, jackals and migratory birds have returned to the area after years of having vanished.

The beans are shade-grown, wet-processed – washed in cold Himalyan river water from the Ganesh Himal Mountain Range – sun-dried and hand-sorted. The beans are then stored in hand-stitched jute bags with screen print.

Growing high-quality, organic coffee in an environmentally-sound manner is just one aspect of this plantation. Because it's in a economically isolated and under-developed region, the plantation has helped create new jobs and bring in much-needed foreign currency for residents. This international trade has helped support a Primary and Secondary school in the plantation's vicinity. It's also contributed to establishing a vibrant local economy, as the plantation buys compost from small farmers during their off-season.

To sample these extraordinary beans, click here