Rodrigo Sanchez El Eden ‘Red Fruit Tea’ FW

Finca El Eden, owned by the Sanchez family, is situated in the Samaria district of Palestina at 1,500 meters above sea level. The farm enjoys ideal environmental conditions and annual rainfall ranging from 1,800 to 2,000 mm. These factors contribute to year-round flowering and fruiting, producing exceptional sensory profiles. Rodrigo’s dedication to quality has earned significant recognition, including 1st place with Pink Bourbon at the Yara Champion 2017, 2nd place with Pink Bourbon in 2018, and 1st and 3rd places with Purple Caturra at Roasters United 2019. 

Rodrigo’s passion for experimentation made this lot possible. He selected Bourbon and Purple Caturra for this lot. When measured on Brix sugar content meters, “purple” Caturra has higher Brix content than typical Red Caturra, creating an ideal environment for the growth of microorganisms used in the fermentation process.  

Before processing the cherry, Rodrigo combines a mixture of microorganisms – Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces and Cerevisiae bacteria – totaling 10 different yeasts/bacteria to promote fermentation. He then adds fruits like blackberry and strawberry to a sugar-rich mix including molasses or panela (unrefined whole cane sugar), to feed the fermentation. The mixture is sealed and fermented for 150 hours.  

While the mixture is fermenting, cherry is selectively handpicked, floated and then visually sorted to remove any underripe or damaged cherry. After this selection, cherry is pulped and added to the fermented mixture, where it will remain for an additional 150 hours. 

After fermentation, parchment is washed in clean water and laid out in parabolic beds to dry. It is raked frequently to ensure even drying, which takes approximately 20 to 25 days. 

Founded by experienced agricultural trader Vicente Mejía, Clearpath Coffee works with producers in Colombia and exports high quality, sustainable single-origin coffees from smallholders, cooperatives and estates. Clearpath partners with producers to support ethical, sustainable growth through fair prices, direct communication with buyers and building long term relationships with sustainability-minded buyers.