El Salvador Finca Hungria Washed

This coffee comes to us from the slopes of the Santa Ana Volcano in the highlands of southwestern El Salvador. The highest peak in the country, Santa Ana has been active since the 16th century and last erupted in 2005. The tropical climate is consistently warm throughout most of El Salvador, but cools down as you climb up into the high elevation regions. There, the lower temperatures allow coffee beans to mature slowly while soaking up the rich nutrients from the volcanic soil.

Finca Hungria is a high elevation organic farm owned and operated by the Lima family. Native cedar, oak, and balsam trees shade the growing coffee plants while maintaining a rainforest habitat for local birds. The Lima family takes immaculate care of their coffee crops while focusing on preserving the natural ecosystem. Luckily the farm was largely unscathed by the volcanic eruption in 2005 and the coffee rust epidemic in 2012.

Finca Hungria and its neighboring sister farm, Finca Rumania were founded by the Lima family in the 1930s. Today they operate together as one business run by multiple generations of the family. The farms are certified by the Rainforest Alliance and the SMBC (Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center). All of their coffees have all been sourced ethically, sustainably, and with respect for the environment. Rainforest Alliance certification also means that the employees of the farm have safe working conditions and good wages.

Ripe coffee cherries are harvested and delivered to the local Balcanes Mill for processing. Cherries are depulped, fermented, washed, and spread out on patios. The coffee is dried in the sun for 18 days before being prepared for export. Finca Hungria and Finca Rumania are members of the Cuzcachapa Cooperative which specializes in exporting high quality coffee worldwide.