The climatic (8°C to 24°C), geographical (Andean rainforest) and geological conditions of the Eje Cafetero region in Colombia characterize the production of a high quality coffee with relatively short harvest periods. Farmers in the region have developed manual cultivation, harvesting and bean processing techniques and maintain these methods despite the advance of new techniques of massive agricultural industrialization.
The Paez (who also identify themselves as Nasa, which means "the people") are the largest indigenous group in Colombia. Our partner, the Fondo Paez cooperative, was founded in 1992 with the main objective of recovering traditional agricultural knowledge and indigenous culture that had been buried by centuries of conflict and oppression. In the region, located in the remote mountainous areas of Cauca, the main cash crop is coffee. These specialty coffee beans from Fondo Paez are now recognized and awarded as 90+ coffee in local and international tasting competitions.
We are inspired to see how Fondo Paez has created a sustainable vision for their communities! This is remarkable in itself, but the work and successes of this organization are all the more extraordinary when viewed in the context of Colombian politics and globalization. From the Spanish conquest centuries ago to the armed conflict that has raged in their territory, the Paez people continue to struggle for their livelihood, their land and their right to self-determination.
Once roasted in our workshop, these beans produce a delicious coffee characterized by flavors of stone fruit, such as apricot, a lively acidity typical of Colombian coffees, and a honeyed body. One of our greatest coffees!
