If you know us, you know we spend an awful lot of time thinking about coffee—where it comes from, who grows it, and how we can bring the absolute best out of every bean we roast. Recently, we came across a fascinating article in Fresh Cup Magazine titled "The World’s Largest Urban Coffee Farm Could Hold the Key to Brazilian Coffee’s Future," and it got us thinking about our deep love for Brazilian coffees.
When most people picture a Brazilian coffee farm, they imagine sprawling rural fazendas. But right in the middle of São Paulo—one of the most populated cities on Earth—sits the Cafezal Urbano.
The Future of Coffee is Growing in the City
Tucked into a 2.5-acre, tree-lined plot just minutes from the city's glamorous Ibirapuera Park, this urban farm is operated by the Biological Institute. It serves as a literal testing ground for the future of coffee. Here is what makes this urban oasis so special:
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100% Organic Innovation: Researchers are using natural methods—like parasitic wasps and fungi—to eliminate pests without a single drop of pesticide.
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Climate Resilience: The farm is a testing ground for new, lab-tested coffee varieties designed to withstand extreme climate variations and diseases, ensuring coffee continues to thrive in a warming world.
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A Living Laboratory: It bridges the gap between almost 200 years of agricultural research and the future needs of coffee producers around the globe.
Reading about this incredible dedication to the future of Brazilian coffee makes us deeply appreciative of the high-quality Brazilian beans we are privileged to roast for you right now.
Meet the Staff Favorite: Gaucha
All this talk about Brazil’s coffee innovation brings us to a shop favorite that we simply can't get enough of: Gaucha.
Gaucha is a natural process Brazilian coffee grown by the Seibt Family Farm in the renowned Cerrado Mineiro region. Because it is naturally processed (meaning the coffee bean is dried inside the cherry fruit), it carries a beautifully rich, sweet, and full-bodied flavor profile.
Tasting Notes: Expect comforting, crowd-pleasing notes of graham cracker, milk chocolate, and almond.
It’s the kind of coffee that tastes like a warm hug on a crisp morning, and it plays a vital role in our daily lineup. In fact, you’ve probably enjoyed Gaucha without even realizing it! We use this versatile bean as the foundational bedrock for several of our signature offerings:
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Batch Brew Drip: It is a star component in our popular Baltic Gold and Lake Bluff's Favorite blends, providing that smooth, chocolatey base our regulars love.
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House Espresso: Gaucha brings the perfect crema, sweetness, and balance to Steelyard, our go-to house espresso.
Take a Little Brazil Home With You
Want to brew Gaucha exactly how you like it at home? We sell it whole bean in generously sized one-pound bags—a full 16 ounces, which is noticeably larger than the standard 12-ounce bags you’ll find from most typical roasters. We believe you should get a little more mileage out of the coffees you love.
Don't have a grinder at home? No problem! Just let our baristas know when you check out. We are always happy to grind your bag of beans for you upon purchase, perfectly calibrated for whatever brewing method you use.
The next time you stop by for a pour-over, a shot of Steelyard, or a bag of beans, let's raise a mug to the researchers in São Paulo protecting the future of coffee, and to the farmers in Cerrado Mineiro making our mornings delicious today. See you at the shop!
