Nhá Chica - Brazil Naturals 2015 Verified listing

The farm received the “Nhá Chica,” as the owner’s family are devotees of the Blessed Brazilian Francisca de Paula de Jesus, who grew up and lived in the neighboring city of Baependi. 

The farm is located in the city of Soledade de Minas, in Mantiqueira de Minas (Geographical Indication), where the coffees are known for their complexity and sensory profile. Geographical Indication is a form of officially instituted protection given to a region known for having a certain product. It has the objective of demonstrating and guaranteeing that this product is part of the territory’s culture and that it is produced in a demarcated area and follows specific norms and rules established to protect the identity of this regional patrimony. 

The constant search to improve the coffees is a priority at the farm, as the choice to produce specialty coffees requires much dedication and work from the producer, and Maristela is certain that they are on the right path. 

The harvest is done by hand, only the ripest beans are picked (known as cherries), then they are washed and spread in thin layers on the patio and raked several times per day until they reach the ideal humidity to rest in granaries. The coffee is only taken to the mechanical dryer in the case of rain. 

Preservation of the environment is a constant concern at Sítio Nhá Chica.