ESPRESSO OF THE MONTH: Hard Beans - Colombia Sunshine Espresso 250g

Whole-bean specialty coffee from Colombia, roasted by Hard Beans from Poland. Dark roast, perfect for espresso machines and moka pots. In the cup, you can expect the notes of red apple, almonds, and caramel.

Country: Colombia

Region: Palestina, Huila

Farm: Cadefihuila

Processing: Washed

Varietal: Caturra, Tabi

Altitude: 1700 m a.s.l.

ABOUT THE REGION AND THE FARM

The municipality of Palestina is a unique place, often referred to as the "water and forest factory" of the Huila region. It is characterized by two types of climate: cool and temperate. Coffees from this area differ from the rest of Huila – they are more acidic and delicate, with distinct fruity notes.

Our coffee comes from a selected group of producers from the upper part of the Palestina municipality, located at an altitude of approximately 1700 m a.s.l. This group of farmers specializes in cultivating varieties such as Tabi and Caturra.

Cooperativa Departamental de Caficultores del Huila Ltda. (CADEFIHUILA is a non-profit organization and one of the most important coffee cooperatives in Colombia. It spans 27 municipalities and operates a support network consisting of 45 coffee purchasing points, 46 fertilizer stores, 36 agricultural supply stores, 16 permanent cupping laboratories, one mobile laboratory, and 7 drying service points. CADEFIHUILA implements programs aimed at achieving high production standards on farms. These standards are based on codes of conduct such as Fairtrade, Rainforest, 4C, and C.A.F.E. Practices. The development of certification processes for these specialty coffees allows the cooperative to meet market demand for coffee purchased under specific, ethical conditions.

ABOUT THE VARIETY

Caturra is a coffee variety that originated as a natural mutation of the Bourbon variety. It was discovered on a plantation in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, between 1915 and 1918. The name "Caturra" comes from the Guarani word meaning "small," referring to the plant's dwarf stature. Due to its small size and densely spaced branches, it can be planted closely together, increasing the yield per area. Caturra contributed to the intensification of coffee farming, particularly in Central America, where it was introduced in the 1940s. This variety also played a crucial role in breeding coffee trees resistant to coffee leaf rust, contributing to the creation of the "Catimor" family of varieties.

Tabi is a relatively young variety developed in Colombia as a cross between Bourbon, Typica, and the disease-resistant Timor Hybrid. The word "Tabi" comes from the language of Colombia's indigenous people and means "peace" or "life."

ABOUT THE PROCESSING

The coffee undergoes a traditional washed process, which begins with the harvesting of ripe cherries. They are weighed and left for 24 hours in a processing tank. Next, the beans are depulped and placed in a water tank, where they are rinsed twice after approximately 12 hours. Finally, the coffee is sun-dried or machine-dried, depending on the producer's facilities.

RECIPE

Ratio: 16.5g (dose) / 36g (yield).

Water temperature: 94°C.

Grind size: Very fine.

Brew time: 24 seconds

Methods:

• Drip Coffee Maker:

Rinse the filter with water before adding the coffee.

Stir the coffee in the server before pouring it into a cup.

• Espresso Machine:

Set the grinder to a fine setting.

The extraction time should be between 20 and 30 seconds.

COFFEE OF THE MONTH

Every month we pick two coffee specials – one for the espresso lovers, and the other for the pour-over sippers. Working directly with the roasteries, we deliver freshly roasted, unique coffee beans – always of the highest quality, at the lowest price you can get. What you get is also a thorough review, description, origin, and brewing guide.

The aim of the project is to get you acquainted with speciality coffees and various flavours they offer. Check out the coffees of this month!