Single Estate Farms

Personally visited. Our source farms are family-owned on land worked for multiple generations—the farmers have passed down their knowledge and expertise for decades. We personally meet with our farmers on their land to understand their knowledge, passion, and processes. We work only with a limited number of farms who we have visited and grown relationships with, witnessing their expertise and practices, pride and joy in their product, and their care for their team and community. Our farmers all use only the best sustainable practices to ensure the preservation of their land and local ecosystem. They are experts in the field, innovating processes and crafting their beans to unlock the best possible results.

Meet the Farmers

What's Specialty Coffee?

Our single estate beans are all tested and certified with specialty grade cup scores. Specialty coffee represents the highest grade of coffee beans. According to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) standards, specialty coffee must meet three criteria:

1. Coffee that is hand-picked at optimal ripeness.

2. Zero primary defects and fewer than five secondary defects in a 350g sample of green (unroasted) coffee beans.

3. Scores 80 points or higher on the SCA's 100-point scale during cupping by a certified taster or licensed Q grader.

The grading scale sets standards for coffee at every stage of coffee production, from farming all the way to consumption. 

About Marta

Glen Ellyn Coffee Co. was launched by Glen Ellyn resident Marta Scarleski. Marta’s parents both were from Guatemala, so she has had a love of the country since she was born. She grew up visiting family and getting to know the area, the culture, and the people. As a coffee lover, she has always loved and appreciated the smooth, delicious elevated coffee produced by beans from Guatemala. So when she had the opportunity to visit a Guatemalan coffee farm she jumped at the chance. From there she built relationships with farmers, and her knowledge and passion grew into Glen Ellyn Coffee Co. She visits Guatemala multiple times a year to continue to grow and foster relationships with these incredible coffee farmers.

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