Thumbnail Filmstrip of Colombia La Pradera Typica Natural Images

About Colombia La Pradera Typica Natural

Arrived April 2018, new crop, in grainpro bags. Jose Hernan arrived at Finca La Pradera more than 25 years ago as a coffee picker, eventually becoming the property administrator. Fifteen years ago, with the help of his family he was able to buy the farm, and since then has dedicated it to the production of specialty coffee.Hernan's father and grandfather taught him to produce coffee prior to his work as a harvester in Antioquia, Huila, and Colombia's "Coffee Axis" (Caldas, Quindio and Risaralda). Now Hernan is happy to explore Honey and Natural processing.

The farm also has cattle pastures (hence the name "La Pradera"), and also cultivates avocado for the local market. La Pradera has been Rainforest Alliance certified for many years and maintains clean, safe farming practices.

The Las Mercedes neighborhood (part of Herrera in the Rioblanco municipality) has differentiated itself by producing high quality coffees. Hernan and La Pradera were finalists in the Colombia Cup of Excellence in 2006 and 2009.

Region (Department): Tolima
Province: Southern Province
Municipality: Rioblanco
Town: Herrera
Altitude: 1700 Meters
Coffee variety: Typica
Processing: Natural

Cup Characteristics: Brown Sugar, molasses and stone fruit flavors. Aromas of cinnamon and malt with a pleasant, lingering finish. A high fruit penetration with oaky elements, as one would expect from a full natural. Dry and clean mouthfeel.

Roasting Notes: While natural processed coffees tend to roast faster than washed, you may find that you need more heat than usual to get to first crack, especially at the beginning. We recommend pulling this coffee about an minute after first crack to bring out the more delicate flavors that darker roasting will obscure.

Colombia coffee facts:

Main crop seasons vary depending on location. For many the main crop is Sept - December. Some regions have a mid crop as well.

Population: 43.6 Million people
Domestic Consumption: 1.8 Million Bags of 70 Kg. (154 lb.)
Coffee Export: 12.5 Million Bags of 70 Kg. (154 lb.)
Cultivated Area: 1.1 Million Hectares (2.7 Million Acres)
Harvest: Main Crop: October to January (60%)
Fly Crop: April to June (40%)
Note: In Narino, due to its geography, Main and Fly crop seasons are reversed.
Arabica Introduced: From the Carribean through Venezuela
Farms: 300,000

Specialty Coffees:
Supremo basis of a 17 screen size
Excelso basis of a 16/17 screen size

Botanical Varieties:
Bourbon, Typica, Caturra, Maragogype, Variety Colombia (hybrid of Timor and Caturra)

Crop Comments

Colombia is the second largest exporter of Arabica coffee in the world. All coffee grown is Arabica species, and mostly all is grown at high elevation and wet processed. Supremo is the country's highest grade though the highest elevation coffee can be smaller and thus not able to make the size grade although more concentrated. Colombia coffee has a well-earned reputation as having fine body, pleasant acidity and clean flavor. Each region brings a little something different to the final product.