At Sattvic Foods, we believe in connecting with the roots of our products, and what better way to do so than by sharing the stories of the passionate farmers behind them? This spotlight shines on one of our dedicated coffee bean suppliers- the Pintos, whose journey and commitment to organic farming make our Arabica coffee beans truly special.
A Legacy of Farming
When asked if farming was a generational tradition, Nicole Pinto shared:
"Farming has been part of my paternal family for generations. However, my grandparents moved to Bombay, and my father grew up there. After completing his education, he worked in the city for a few years before buying an estate and dedicating himself to coffee farming. It was a steep learning curve, but his perseverance paid off."

A Journey Rooted in Passion
Though initially a city dweller with a corporate background, Nicole’s love for the calm and beauty of the estate eventually drew her back:
"Growing up, I spent a lot of time in Bangalore. But whenever possible, we would come to the estate. I also studied in a boarding school here for a few years. I loved this life, away from the constant chaos of the city. However, being involved in farming was not such an immediately obvious career choice.
I studied management and worked for a few years in the corporate field. Following this I moved into the field of conservation. For over two years, I worked on a project with farmers that helped them find ways to co-exist with elephants. They were marginal farmers who lived alongside forests and frequently witnessed elephants in their crop fields. We helped them install crop protection measures and earn a better price for the crops. It was only after this that I decided to return to the estate."
What Makes Their Coffee Special?
Our supplier’s approach to growing and processing Arabica coffee beans sets them apart:
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Natural Drying Method: Unlike standard practices where coffee beans are dried without pulp, these beans are dried with the cherry intact. This method allows the juice from the cherry to infuse into the bean, creating a more complex and unique flavour.

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Organic and Chemical-Free: No chemicals or pesticides are used on the estate. They’ve achieved the first stage of organic certification, ensuring coffee that is pure and environmentally friendly.
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Why Organic Matters
The shift to organic farming wasn’t just about better coffee; it was a commitment to healthier ecosystems Nicole shares:
"Natural farming benefits the environment and the health of smaller organisms like bees and frogs, which are often affected by chemicals. Books like One Straw Revolution and talks by Vandana Shiva inspired us to embrace this approach. It has also made our plants healthier and our farm more self-sufficient."
Challenges in Coffee Farming
Despite their success, challenges persist:
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Labour Shortages: As more people migrate to cities, finding skilled labour has become increasingly difficult.
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Weather and Wildlife: Unpredictable weather patterns and sharing the cherries with monkeys, birds, and civet cats pose additional hurdles.
Adapting to the Environment
We’ve tried to adapt our methods to suit our region. Coffee in India is a shade grown plant and since where we are located receives less rainfall, we do not prune our trees too much so that the plants receive less direct heat. We also keep the ground covered so that it retains as much moisture as possible and provides continuous mulch.

A Day in the Life
No two days are alike on the estate, but harvesting season holds a special place in their hearts:
"The harvest is the busiest and most rewarding time. We all pitch in, especially during coffee processing. Tasting the first roast of the season is always exciting."
Check out this article on "how to make arabica coffee" and brew your own cup today!
Looking Ahead
The vision for the future is clear:
"We aim to create a biodiverse, self-sustainable farm that continues to produce high-quality coffee while maintaining harmony with nature."
Why Choose Our Arabica Coffee?
Our Arabica coffee beans and powder are sourced from farms like this one, where dedication, sustainability, and craftsmanship come together. From their complex flavour profiles to the care taken in every step of production, our coffee is a testament to the passion of our farmers.
Shop now and experience the richness of pure, organic Arabica coffee.