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Peru Timbuyacu Maragogype

  • Peru Timbuyacu Maragogype

  • b corp
  • fair trade

The 3-second version

  • Extra-large Maragogype beans from a naturally low-yield variety
  • Grown on a 20-hectare farm managed by Alfonso and Karim Tejada
  • Distinct profile with clarity and smoothness instead of heavy body
  • Low-yield variety means limited availability
  • Delicate profile may disappoint bold-roast fans

Why it's on GiftsFeed

Peru Timbuyacu Maragogype

Most single-origin coffees compete on terroir or processing method, but Maragogype is a varietal play—the bean itself is the story. Standard arabica cultivars prioritize yield and disease resistance; Maragogype sacrifices both for a cleaner, more nuanced cup. That trade-off matters if you've already explored the usual Peruvian offerings and want something genuinely different, not just another washed bourbon from a different altitude. The elephant bean's scarcity means you're choosing a coffee that most roasters won't touch.

Good gift when

  • Coffee drinkers who have explored standard single-origins and want varietal diversity
  • People who appreciate rarity and are willing to pay for limited production
  • Brewers who prefer clarity and smoothness over bold, heavy profiles

Skip it if If you're looking for a high-volume everyday coffee or prefer bold, full-bodied roasts, Maragogype's delicate profile and limited batch sizes will frustrate rather than satisfy.

Specs

Origin
Timbuyacu farm, Peru
Variety
Maragogype
Farm Size
20 hectares
Farm Management
Alfonso and Karim Tejada

What's included

  • Whole bean coffee

If you're giving it

  • No sizing to guess

Ships as a bag of whole beans; wrapping or gift presentation not included.

The details

Maragogype beans stand out immediately when you see them—each one noticeably larger than standard arabica. This unusual size comes from a naturally occurring mutation discovered in Brazil, and today the variety remains scarce because it yields far less fruit per tree than commercial cultivars. Growers who commit to it do so for the bean's unique character, not for volume.

Timbuyacu farm sits on twenty hectares in Peru's coffee-growing region, where Alfonso and Karim Tejada manage cultivation. The site's elevation, soil, and climate suit Maragogype's needs, allowing the variety to develop the qualities that set it apart. The Tejadas grow multiple coffee types on the property, but Maragogype demands more space and patience than most.

When you brew this coffee, expect a profile that differs from typical Peruvian offerings. The oversized beans behave differently during roasting, and the cup that results tends toward clarity and smoothness rather than heavy body. You'll notice the absence of harsh edges and a finish that lingers without bitterness.

Because Maragogype produces less, it shows up in fewer roasters' lineups. Stumptown sources directly from farms like Timbuyacu, securing access to lots that would otherwise vanish into blends or never reach the specialty market. The batch size reflects the farm's output, so availability follows the harvest cycle.

Rare elephant bean coffee from a 20-hectare Peruvian farm

$38at stumptowncoffee.com

Ships and sold by Stumptown. About this merchant

Questions

What makes Maragogype beans different from regular coffee?
Maragogype is a naturally occurring coffee mutation that produces beans significantly larger than standard arabica. The variety yields less fruit per tree, which is why it remains rare. The oversized beans roast differently and typically produce a smoother, cleaner cup with less body than most commercial varieties.
Why is Maragogype called the elephant bean?
The nickname refers to the bean's unusually large size compared to typical arabica. Maragogype cherries and beans are noticeably bigger, making them easy to identify visually even before roasting.
Is this coffee suitable for espresso?
Maragogype's delicate, smooth profile works better for pour-over, French press, or drip methods that highlight clarity. It can be pulled as espresso, but the lighter body and nuanced character may not deliver the punch or crema you expect from traditional espresso blends.
How should I store this coffee?
Keep the beans in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. Whole beans stay fresh longer than ground coffee, so grind only what you need for each brew. Use within a few weeks of opening for the best flavor.

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