About Colombia Finca Vegas del Chuscal
Finca Vegas del Chuscal is run by Nelson Fabio Cordoba in Huila. Sitting at an elevation of 1800 meters above sea level, the farm also produces avocados, passion fruit, dragon fruit and peaches. Of the seven hectares dedicated to coffee production, 4 are planted with Tabi, 2 with Caturra, and 1 with Variedad Colombia. The Tabi plots are relatively new, being a sub-varietal of Variedad Colombia (which is itself a cross between Caturra and Timor Hybrid).
This lot on offer is mostly Caturra, with a small amount of Variedad Colombia mixed in. Both varieties are picked and and processed separately. This is done because the Variedad Colombia can bear more hours of fermentation. That variety is fermented for 12-24 hours after picking, then de-pulped and further fermented for 20-24 hours. The Caturra, by contrast, is de-pulped immediately after arriving at the wet mill, dry fermented for 20-24 hours, and then washed. After this processing the coffees are taken to a greenhouse to dry for 10-15 days. This is a limited coffee lot; only 7 bags were produced, of which we reserved four.
All of the pulping and fermentation is done at Nelson's wet mill, one of the first Ecomills in the country. This kind of mill not only allows him to use very little water during the washing process, but also collects coffee mucilage during the washing process; it is added to the de-pulped cherries which speeds up the composting process.
- Region (Department): Huila
- Province: Southern Province
- City: Palestina
- Altitude: 1800 Meters
- Coffee variety: Mostly Caturra, small amount of Variedad Colombia
- Processing: Washed
Cup Characteristics: Bright, exotic and spicy. A savory profile of sundried tomato and tamari. An umami flavor experience.
Roasting Notes: A very high grown, dense bean will respond best to significant early heat and slow development time. Suitable for all roast levels, but we like it best on the lighter side, up to second crack, to bring out the more delicate flavors and piquant acidity.
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.