El Salvador Regional Lot

Origin: El Salvador 

Region: Santa Anna

Varietal: Red Bourbon

Processing: Washed

Tasting notes: Black walnut, orange peel, bakers chocolate, toffee

The Process: 

Washed processing involves de-pulping the coffee cherry. A bladed tool is used to cut open the cherries, extract the seeds and discard the empty fruit. The coffee is then soaked in water to soften the seed and typically is left to ferment for 12 to 72 hours. Afterwards the coffee is washed clean of any remaining fruit, mucilage and silverskin before it’s finally dried. Washed coffees are the most common processed coffees you’ll see!

Behind the Producer:

Altitude: 1200-1500masl

Farm: Co-op

Producer: Small shareholder

About the region:

Don’t be fooled by El Salvador’s small size. It was once the 4th largest coffee producer worldwide and continues to produce high quality lots. The country is known for its great cupping varieties, such as Bourbon and Pacamara. In fact, two beloved, frequently high-scoring varieties—Pacas and Pacamara— originated in El Salvador. 

Unlike other countries, where specialty coffee production has required a great deal of additional investment and training, El Salvador already has a broad and skilled specialty coffee workforce. Farming traditions run deep, and many Salvadorian farmers are extremely passionate about coffee production and continuously strive to improve their crop. El Salvador has optimal conditions for coffee processing. The prolonged dry season typically occurs during the harvest season, making it easier to sun dry coffee. 

Though coffee output in the country has been declining for over two decades – exacerbated by the CLR crisis – the approach to coffee production has changed from volume- to quality-driven. A new generation of coffee producers has sprouted around the country with a new vision and approach to production. Many of this generation are experimenting with processing and varietals.