Growing Coffee Beans in Honduras

What Makes Honduran Coffee Special?

Nestled in the heart of Central America, Honduras is a hidden gem in the world of coffee production. With its diverse microclimates, high altitudes, and rich volcanic soils, this country offers ideal conditions for growing exceptional Arabica beans. But what sets Honduran coffee apart from its more famous neighbours?

Honduran coffee is renowned for its balanced flavour profile and complex character. Often overshadowed by coffee powerhouses like Colombia and Brazil, Honduras has been quietly perfecting its craft, producing beans that are starting to turn heads in the specialty coffee scene.

Where Does Our Honduran Coffee Come From?

At Guilty Coffee, we’re proud to source our Honduran beans from the San Marcos region in Ocotepeque. This area, located in the western part of Honduras, is known for its high-altitude farms and ideal growing conditions. Our specific beans come from Finca Liquidambar, an estate that’s committed to quality and sustainability.

What’s Special About San Marcos, Ocotepeque?

San Marcos, Ocotepeque isn’t just another dot on the coffee map. This region boasts:

• High altitudes ranging from 1,200 to 1,600 meters above sea level
• A cool climate that slows bean development, enhancing flavour complexity
• Rich, volcanic soil that imparts unique mineral notes to the coffee

These factors combine to create beans with a distinct flavour profile that we’re excited to share with you.

Which Coffee Varieties Do We Use?

Our Honduran coffee blend, The Parachute, features two primary varieties:

1. Lempira: Named after a 16th-century indigenous Honduran ruler, this variety is known for its resistance to coffee leaf rust and its well-balanced cup profile.
2. Catuai: A hybrid of Mundo Novo and Caturra, Catuai produces a bright, clean cup with good body and sweetness.

By combining these varieties, we’ve created a blend that offers a complex, yet approachable flavour profile.

Why Does Organic Certification Matter?

Our Honduran coffee proudly carries organic certification. But why should this matter to you?

1. Environmental Impact: Organic farming practices promote biodiversity and soil health, ensuring the longevity of coffee production in the region.
2. Health Benefits: Organic coffee is free from synthetic pesticides and herbicides, giving you a purer coffee experience.
3. Taste: Many coffee enthusiasts argue that organic beans produce a cleaner, more vibrant flavour profile.
4. Sustainability: Organic certification often goes hand-in-hand with sustainable farming practices, supporting the long-term viability of coffee production.

How Does Our Honduran Coffee Taste?

The Parachute offers a unique sensory journey that’s sure to captivate your taste buds. Here’s what you can expect:

• Aroma: An enticing bouquet of spice, lemon, and pine greets you as soon as you open the bag.
• Flavour: The first sip reveals a well-balanced medium roast. Warm spice notes provide a comforting base, while bright lemon adds a zesty top note. Subtle pine undertones contribute a unique, refreshing quality.
• Body: True to its Honduran origins, The Parachute has a smooth, medium body that satisfies without overwhelming.
• Acidity: Expect a clean, crisp acidity that’s noticeable but not overpowering, thanks to the lemon notes.
• Finish: The flavour lingers pleasantly, with spice and pine notes creating a long, memorable finish.

How Should You Brew Our Honduran Coffee?

To fully appreciate the complex flavour profile of The Parachute, we recommend experimenting with different brewing methods:

1. Pour-over: This method allows for precise control, helping to highlight the delicate balance of flavours. Use water just off the boil (about 95°C) and aim for a brew time of around 3 minutes.
2. French Press: If you prefer a fuller-bodied cup, the French Press is an excellent choice. Let the coffee steep for 4 minutes before plunging to extract the rich spice notes.
3. Aeropress: For a quick but flavourful cup, the Aeropress works wonders. Use the inverted method with a 2-minute steep time to bring out the bright lemon notes.

Remember, freshly ground beans will always give you the best flavour. Aim for a medium grind size to match the medium roast of this blend.

How Does Our Honduran Coffee Support Sustainability?

At Guilty Coffee, we’re committed to supporting sustainable coffee production. By choosing our Honduran coffee, you’re contributing to:

• Fair wages for farmers at Finca Liquidambar
• Organic farming practices that protect local ecosystems
• Preservation of traditional coffee varieties like Lempira and Catuai
• Support for small-scale farmers in the San Marcos region

Ready to Experience Honduras in a Cup?

Our Honduran coffee, The Parachute, offers more than just a great cup of joe. It’s a journey through the high-altitude farms of San Marcos, Ocotepeque, a taste of organic farming practices, and a blend of traditional coffee varieties.

Whether you’re a seasoned coffee connoisseur or just starting your specialty coffee journey, The Parachute is sure to impress with its unique combination of spice, lemon, and pine notes. It’s a flavour profile that’s as memorable as its namesake’s daring escape.

Ready to take the plunge? Grab a bag of our Honduran coffee today and experience the best of what Honduras has to offer. With Guilty Coffee, you’re not just buying a bag of beans – you’re supporting sustainable farming practices, preserving coffee heritage, and treating yourself to a truly exceptional cup of coffee. So go ahead, give in to temptation. After all, with coffee this good, the only guilt you’ll feel is not having discovered it sooner!