Solitude Espresso
Our seasonal espressos each come with their own story, which is part of what makes them so special. Here we take a closer look at the producers behind this coffee.
The Region
Whilst Huila is naturally blessed with optimal coffee growing geography, the key to great quality coffees from the La Plata region (such as this lot) are the growers themselves. Coffee farming within the region is overwhelmingly small-scale. Indeed, approximately 80% of producers from the region farm coffee on less than 3 hectares of land. These small farms are tended by individual families with labour only very rarely being contracted out, which leads to more thorough and intensive management practices and great pride in the final product – which is, itself, an extension of the family.
The Producers
This region is filled with independent producers, forward-thinking and eager to grow excellent coffee. Pergamino, our exporting partner in Colombia, currently work with 30 farmers in this area, with farms ranging in size from 1 – 3 hectares. These exceptional lots are combined to create this La Plata, Huila lot.
Although the town of La Plata, where most of the farmers live, lies at only 1,000 metres (and is something of a ‘hot box’), most farms lie at 1,800 metres or above in cooler climates. In order to reach these farms, one has to travel straight UP – driving an hour or more into the steep mountains that surround the town centre.
Harvesting & Processing
Farmers contributing coffee to this lot will handpick the cherries during the harvest, and sort for quality. They typically have their own mills, and will pulp, ferment, and dry the coffee on patios until the ideal moisture content is reached.
sourcing coffee
Our Coffee Broker
For over ten years we have worked closely with Mercanta. They pay a fair price for coffee, empowering the growers they work with. Such is our faith in their commitment to supporting farmers that we now purchase 100% of our coffee through Mercanta.
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