About This Coffee
This washed lot consists of the rare Papayo variety, so-called because the elongated shape of its cherries resemble the papaya fruit. Huila is home to many of these notable "new" or "re-discovered" varieties, with other examples of note including Pink Bourbon, Ombligon, and Typica Mejorado. Alongside this proliferation of interesting varieties exists a similar abundance of theories as to their origins -- producers and researchers have proposed explanations ranging from genetic mutation to abandoned research farms in the region. Origin stories aside, what's undeniable is the unique and delicious flavor profiles offered by this Papayo lot and its mysterious siblings.
History of Colombian Coffee
As with many coffee origins, it is believed that coffee was first brought to Colombia by priests, arriving, perhaps, within a decade or two after coffee first came to the Americas via the Caribbean in the first half of the 17th century. It was likely a garden crop grown for local consumption and barter for decades. Unlike other coffee regions, we have the story of a priest named Francisco Romero, who could be called the father of commercial coffee cultivation in Colombia. The folkloric tale goes that in the early 1800s, Father Francisco, hearing confessions in the northeastern town of Salazar de la Palmas, assigned planting coffee to his parishioners as penance for their sins. The Archbishop of Colombia heard about this and ordered all priests to adopt the practice. Commercial production of coffee expanded quickly, moving into regions where the growing conditions were ideal.
Growing Coffee in Colombia
Even though it’s been 4,000 years, the soil resulting from the last major eruption of Tolima is still considered “young soil,” filled with nutrients that are no longer found at the same levels in old soil. There is a long list of elements on offer in volcanic soil that are fading or absent in other soils, such as high levels of potassium and nitrogen. Also present is something called “Boron,” which arrived from outer space a long time ago, and is important to cell walls, the creation of enzymes, and the production of flowers and fruit, meaning Boron contributes to yield. Beyond the nutrients, the structure of volcanic soil is also beneficial to coffee growing. It can soak up and hold moisture while, at the same time, facilitating good drainage so water doesn’t pool, which is not good for coffee plant roots. Coffee plants like to take a drink, then take a break. Also, volcanic soils are usually found on an incline, which also helps with drainage.
Country: Colombia
Region: Huila - Acevedo, Salado Blanco, La Argentina
Farm: 15 smallholder farmers
Elevation: 1700-2000 MASL
Variety: Papayo
Processing: Washed
Tasting notes: Medium bodied, sweet, and complex with notes of brown sugar, tamarind, yellow peach, and raspberry.