Nestled between Guatemala and El Salvador to the west and Nicaragua to the south and east, Honduras, is quietly producing the largest amount of specialty coffee in all of Central America. The country’s landscape is predominantly mountainous and wooded, with the majority of its population leading a generally isolated existence in these rugged interiors.
Exponential coffee growth
Once known primarily for its garden crops, Honduras has undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, it stands tall as Central America’s largest coffee producer, exporting over 5 million bags annually. This exponential growth was spurred by the emergence of specialty coffee. New farmers and mills began prioritizing quality, the majority of this coffee coming from small to medium-sized farms.
Natural extension
This is the second “natural” or dry process coffee in a series of three we’re releasing. This method, the oldest in coffee processing, involves letting the fruit dry around the coffee seed – a process that can take weeks. Regular raking ensures the coffee dries evenly, resulting in coffees with amped up flavors.
These flavors can range from extra fruity notes to winey, nutty, chocolatey, or even spicy undertones. Some farms let the fruit ferment in a barrel before drying, adding an additional layer of complexity. Natural process coffees also tend to be very full-bodied. While Honduras is most known for its washed coffee, we’ve always been impressed by their natural lots.
Securely in your cup
Juan Carlos Sabillon, was once a security guard at San Vicente coffee mill. He became inspired by coffee farmers that had invested in their farms and started earning more money. His farm is mostly dedicated to Parainema coffee, a variety created in Costa Rica by selectively breeding the Sarchimor variety and later introduced to Honduras. The name “Parainema” combines “Paraiso” (the growing area on Honduras’ southeastern border) and “nematode,” signifying its natural resistance to these pests. This coffee is incredibly aromatic and unique. Juan set this lot aside for natural processing and the results are fantastic. We taste chocolate covered cherry, raspberry wine, and baking spices.
You can order this incredible coffee through the site while it lasts but if you want to be the first to experience incredible coffees like this from a different place around the world every month, be sure to subscribe to Sphere Coffee Club before the end of the month.
