2lb Fair Trade Organic Guatemalan Whole Bean Medium Roast Coffee

Our review of this 2lb Fair Trade Organic Guatemalan whole bean medium roast finds it best suited to home brewers and small offices who want a reliably fresh, ethically sourced coffee in bulk. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of same-day roasting and a foil-lined bag that preserves aroma and flavor, so beans retain their character for several days after opening. The review focuses on taste, sourcing, and value, and notes that this whole bean offering is particularly appealing if you grind just before brewing to maximize the freshness and sweetness.

Key Features

• Same-day roasting: Coffee is roasted and packaged the same day to lock in volatile aromatics and deliver a fresher cup when beans are ground just before brewing.
• Foil-lined bag: The bag construction helps preserve flavor by shielding beans from light and air until opened, extending perceived freshness.
• Fair Trade and USDA Organic: Certification ensures beans are grown under organic standards and produced through Fair Trade cooperative practices with Asobagri farmers.
• Small-batch Joper roast: Roasted on a Joper small batch roaster with a cast iron drum to promote even roasting and consistent medium roast development.
• Whole bean 100% Arabica: Whole beans allow for custom grind size and extraction, supporting a full-bodied cup with a noted touch of sweetness.
• Social impact: All profits support orphan care and orphan prevention, making each purchase contribute to a charitable cause.

Who It's For

This coffee is a good fit for home baristas, espresso hobbyists, and small offices that prefer to buy in bulk but still demand specialty-grade Arabica flavor. Because it is whole bean and roasted in small batches, it rewards grinders and brewers who adjust grind and extraction to profile the medium roast and gentle sweetness.

It is less ideal for people who want single-serve convenience or pre-ground coffee ready for immediate drip machines, and those highly sensitive to taste variance should note that some buyers reported mixed taste impressions, so try a smaller quantity first before committing to recurring bulk purchases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clearly fresh roast and packaging keep aroma and oils better than long-shelf coffees.
• Ethical credentials with USDA Organic and Fair Trade from the Asobagri cooperative.
• Whole bean 100% Arabica gives flexibility for espresso, pour over, or drip brewing.
• Profit model supports orphan care, adding meaningful social value to the purchase.

Cons

• Some customers report mixed taste impressions, so flavor may vary across batches or palates.
• Whole bean format requires a grinder and more hands-on preparation than pre-ground options.

Specifications

Weight	2 lb (32 ounces)
Bean Type	100% Arabica, whole bean
Roast Level	Medium roast, small-batch Joper roast
Certifications	USDA Organic by Ecocert SA; Fair Trade USA Certified
Origin	Guatemala - Asobagri cooperative
Packaging	Foil-lined bag, roasted and packaged same day
Use of Profits	100% of profits go to orphan care and orphan prevention

Our Verdict

For buyers who value fresh, ethically sourced coffee and have a grinder, this 2lb Guatemalan whole bean is a strong value: it combines small-batch roasting, organic and Fair Trade credentials, and a charitable profit model. Taste is generally smooth and full-bodied with a touch of sweetness, though palates vary; the product is best for those willing to experiment with grind and brew to find their preferred extraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this coffee pre-ground?
No. This product is sold as whole bean so you can grind to your preferred size for espresso, pour over, or drip methods.

How is freshness maintained?
Beans are roasted and packaged the same day and shipped in a foil-lined bag to reduce exposure to air and light until opened.

Where do the beans come from?
The coffee is sourced from the Asobagri cooperative in Guatemala and carries USDA Organic and Fair Trade certifications.