A Cup Above: Unveiling El Recreo's Coffee Marvel

We've got some exciting news brewing at our coffee shop that's sure to perk up your day. We're thrilled to introduce a brand new coffee bean to our collection, and it's not just any bean. This one comes with a story that's as rich and deep as the coffee it produces.

El Recreo Alirio Rodriguez Pacamara Natural from the heart of Colombia.

Let's start with a bit about where this coffee comes from. Imagine a place where the air is fresh, the soil is fertile, and the landscapes are breathtaking. This place is Colombia's Huila region, renowned for its coffee. Among its rolling hills and lush valleys, there's a small but mighty farm called Finca El Recreo, run by a dedicated farmer named Alirio Rodriguez.

Alirio isn't new to the coffee game. He's a third-generation coffee producer who's been cultivating coffee for over 30 years. But what sets Alirio and his farm apart is their commitment to quality and sustainability. At just 15 years old, Alirio took over his farm, and since then, he's been on a mission to produce some of the best coffee in the world, focusing on high-quality cultivation and processing methods that result in incredible coffee.

Why Pacamara?

Now, let's talk about the bean itself—the Pacamara. This variety is a bit of a superstar in the coffee world. Created in the 1950s in El Salvador, Pacamara is a hybrid of Pacas (a mutation of Bourbon) and Maragogype (known for its large beans). What makes Pacamara so special? Its size, for one. But more importantly, its flavor profile is out of this world, thanks to the large cherries it produces.

At El Recreo, the Pacamara beans are treated with the utmost care. Once they're perfectly ripe, they're laid out on raised beds to dry in the natural sun, turned frequently to ensure they dry evenly. This natural processing method contributes to the bean's unique flavor profile, offering a cup that's both rich and smooth, with a complexity that's hard to find anywhere else.

Supporting Small Farms and Sustainability

Choosing the El Recreo Alirio Rodriguez Pacamara Natural for our shop wasn't just about the quality of the coffee (although, let's be honest, it's pretty amazing). It was also about supporting small farms that genuinely care about their crop and the environment. Climate change poses a significant challenge to coffee producers worldwide, and farms like El Recreo are at the forefront of adapting to these changes while still focusing on sustainability and quality.

Alirio faces the challenges of climate change and high production costs head-on, investing in innovations like mechanical dryers for more consistent and controllable drying. By supporting farms like El Recreo, we're not just getting great coffee—we're also contributing to a system that values the hard work and dedication of small producers and their efforts toward sustainable farming practices.

A Taste of Huila in Every Sip

Huila, where Finca El Recreo is located, is a coffee-growing powerhouse in Colombia. The region benefits from the Colombian Massif, a source of fresh water that's vital for coffee farming, and fertile volcanic soil that's ideal for growing high-quality coffee beans. The result? A cup of coffee that's as rich and vibrant as the land it comes from.

The Impact of Specialty Coffee

In recent years, the focus on specialty coffee has transformed the way coffee is produced and sold. Farmers like Alirio are leading the charge, isolating the highest quality beans to market under unique stories and brands. This shift not only elevates the quality of coffee available but also allows farmers to earn sustainable prices for their hard work.

Colombia's diverse climates and geographical conditions mean that it can produce fresh crop nearly all year round, offering a wide range of flavors and profiles. By choosing to feature the El Recreo Alirio Rodriguez Pacamara Natural, we're embracing this diversity and bringing a slice of Colombia's rich coffee culture to our community.

Join Us in Supporting a Sustainable Future

By choosing this coffee, you're doing more than just enjoying a delicious cup; you're supporting a network of small farms and sustainable practices that make a real difference. Every sip is a testament to the care, dedication, and passion of producers like Alirio Rodriguez and his family.

We're proud to support small farms that are not only passionate about their crops but are also leading the way in sustainable and quality-oriented coffee production. It's about more than just coffee; it's about making a positive impact, one cup at a time.

So next time you're in our shop, ask for the El Recreo Alirio Rodriguez Pacamara Natural. Not only will you get to savor its exceptional taste, but you'll also be part of a story that spans generations and continents, all while supporting a brighter future for coffee farming.