Mt. Kanlaon Organic Coffee

Last week, we tried Fresh Start’s Mt. Kanlaon Blend (Arabica and Robusta) organic coffee from Bacolod. It is made from coffee trees planted by various mountain communities in the remaining forested areas of Negros Occidental, including Sag-ang in La Castellana and Yubo in La Carlota.

Usually, upland coffee blends are too strong and a bit bitter. Surprisingly, this coffee blend was smooth, full of flavor and was not bitter at all.

What’s their secret?

Each red coffee cherry is selectively handpicked and the production process follows NISARDS protocol to ensure quality control. Because they’re allowed to mature more slowly in the shade, the natural sugars increase and enhance the flavor. It is certified organic by NICERT, with a production process traceable from coffee to cup.

Fresh Start Organics is a privately owned company, founded in 2005 by Ramon and Francine Uy. It has grown into a business whose expanded product range includes fertilizers, fresh produce, rice, free range chickens that are all certified organic by NICERT. Other addition to Fresh Start’s product lines are Healthy Pantry and natural personal care products.

Fresh Start products are available in ECHOstore, Mercato Centrale and Midnight Mercato.