Cafe Especial - Frutos Rojos del Huila

• The Caturra variety is a mutation of the Bourbon variety, which originated in Ethiopia. Caturra coffee is known for its bright acidity and sweet, fruity flavor. It is often used in blends to add complexity and balance.
  
  

• Each region has its own unique microclimate and soil composition, which affects the flavor and characteristics of the coffee beans. Colombian coffee growers take great care to ensure that the coffee beans are grown and harvested under the ideal conditions for their specific region, resulting in the distinct and delicious flavors that Colombian coffee is known for.
  
  

  Most Colombian coffee is grown on small family farms, with an average farm size of just a few acres. These farms are often located in remote, mountainous regions, where the cool temperatures and high altitude provide the ideal growing conditions for coffee plants.

  Harvesting typically takes place between October and January, with the coffee cherries being picked by hand. This labor-intensive process ensures that only the ripest cherries are selected, which results in higher quality coffee.

  Once the coffee cherries have been harvested, they are sorted and processed. The two most common processing methods in Colombia are the washed method and the natural method. Washed coffee is processed by removing the outer layers of the coffee cherry before drying the beans. This results in a cleaner, brighter flavor profile. Natural coffee, on the other hand, is dried with the outer layers of the cherry still intact, which imparts a fruity, wine-like flavor to the beans.

  After processing, the coffee beans are typically sold to cooperatives or exporters, who grade and classify the beans based on quality. The highest quality beans are sold at a premium, often to specialty coffee roasters and cafes around the world.

  Despite the challenges posed by climate change and economic pressures, Colombian coffee production continues to thrive. The country’s rich coffee culture and commitment to sustainable farming practices ensure that Colombian coffee will remain a beloved and important part of the global coffee industry for years to come.