About This Coffee
Fernando Alfaro and Jose Enrique Gutierrez both come from long lines of coffee producers. Together, they run Finca La Providencia under the name of INVERFINCA, SA de C.V. Finca La Providencia, focused on specialty production, sits a 1,100 to 1,300 meters above sea level in Cantón La Pandeadura in the Ahuacapán department, in the Apaneca-Ilamatepec mountain range.
Harvest & Post-Harvest
Cherry is handpicked and laid to dry on raised beds. Coffee is turned frequently to promote even drying. After several days drying in direct sunlight on the raised beds, cherry is transferred to clay patios where it completes drying. Dried cherry is rested and then transported to Beneficio El Carmen, a dry mill in Concepcion de Ataco, Ahuachapan. In total, coffee rests 45 to 150 days between the time it finishes drying and export.
Coffee in El Salvador
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.