Colombia El Recreo

• Country: Colombia
• Region: La Estrella, Acevedo, Huila
• Farmer: Alirio Rodriguez, Finca El Recreo
• Variety: Caturron
• Process: Natural
• Altitude: 1550m

The roaster's story:

Alirio Rodriguez has been producing coffee for more than 30 years. He’s a third-generation coffee producer and, at the age of 15, he bought his farm, Finca El Recreo. Today, he is focused on achieving high coffee quality and sustainable prices. He is joined by two of his adult children who work with him on the farm.

Alirio transitioned to specialty coffee in 2018. He made the switch because of the low prices of commercial coffee and the desire to improve and expand his coffee production.

The Caturron variety is a relatively new variety from Acevedo, Colombia that's virtually unknown outside of that region. Its exact genetic lineage is currently unknown, but the variety is fast becoming recognized for its distinctive flavor and large cherry. Caturron is also resistant to coffee leaf rust and has relatively high yields.

 Once ripe, red cherry is harvested, Alirio lays cherry on raised beds to dry. Cherry is raked frequently to ensure even drying.

Caturron is one among several new varieties in Huila, Colombia. "Rumor has it that there was an experimental research farm near Acevedo, Huila," explains Juan Andres Gutierrez, Specialty Supply Chain Coordinator for Sucafina Colombia. "When the project was abandoned, the plants stayed behind." Now, several new varieties have been selected and spread across Huila that aren't found anywhere else. Caturron, which translates into "big Caturra" is one of these mysterious varieties. It's unclear whether Caturron is genetically distinct from all other known varieties since it hasn't been officially sequenced yet. But to the farmers of Huila, the unique features and flavors of these varieties are worthy of attention and many farmers are propagating these varieties and processing them in distinct lots. We're glad to have such unique and delicious varieties on offer!