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Ecuador coffee production is a world of extremes. On one side, there are the rockstar coffee producers with special varieties and sophisticated processing. These producers have propelled Ecuador into a state of international coffee stardom, competing with the best Geishas from Panama or the tastiest Pink Bourbons from Colombia. On the other end of the spectrum are the small producers of Ecuador, who grow traditional varieties in remote locations. They have amazing coffee, but are so disconnected that they are left to sell it for pennies on the dollar to large companies who can then resell the coffee for a nice profit - the result is a never ending cycle of poverty for these coffee producers.
This coffee is a small scale attempt to break this cycle.
This coffee is from a number of very small coffee producers from the Sozoronga region in the south of Ecuador. My friend, and rockstar coffee producer, Fabricio Coronel kick-started this project last year. His farm, Hacienda La Florida, is also located in the Sozoronga region, and he decided to partner with the small producers and begin an educational program called “Escuela de Cafe” - with the goal of improving agricultural practices and processing methods.
The coffee is 100% Catucaí, a variety that comes from Brazil and one I haven’t really tasted all that much prior to visiting Ecuador. It’s a cross between Catuaí and Icatú and it’s known for high production, resistance and very approachable cup quality.
Given that Fabricio is a master of coffee processing, he has worked closely with these producers to implement a double fermentation method that includes 48 hours in cherry form, followed by 48 hours in mucilage. The coffee is then washed and dried in raised beds.
- Sebastian