Colombia Huila - Papayo

Honey, toffee, meyer lemon, raspberry, balanced
TOP LOT
Log in to view price
Bag Weight 70 KG BAG
Harvest Season 2023/24
Status Spot
Lot Number P612495-1
  • 4 Bag(s)
Log In To Buy / Sample

About This Coffee

This washed lot consists of the rare Papayo variety, so-called because the elongated shape of its cherries resemble the papaya fruit. Huila is home to many of these notable "new" or "re-discovered" varieties, with other examples of note including Pink Bourbon, Ombligon, and Typica Mejorado.  Alongside this proliferation of interesting varieties exists a similar abundance of theories as to their origins -- producers and researchers have proposed explanations ranging from genetic mutation to abandoned research farms in the region. Origin stories aside, what's undeniable is the unique and delicious flavor profiles offered by this Papayo lot and its mysterious siblings. 

Country of Origin Colombia
Region Huila - Acevedo, Salado Blanco, La Argentina
Producer Type Small Holder Farmers
Farm Name 15 producers
Processing Washed
Processing Description 48-60hr fermentation, sun-dried on patios
Growing Altitude 1700m - 2000m
Harvest Season 2023/24
Bag Weight 70 KG BAG
Bag Type Grain Pro / Ecotact
Plant Species Arabica
Variety Papayo

History of Colombian Coffee 

As with many coffee origins, it is believed that coffee was first brought to Colombia by priests, arriving, perhaps, within a decade or two after coffee first came to the Americas via the Caribbean in the first half of the 17th century. It was likely a garden crop grown for local consumption and barter for decades. Unlike other coffee regions, we have the story of a priest named Francisco Romero, who could be called the father of commercial coffee cultivation in Colombia. The folkloric tale goes that in the early 1800’s, Father Francisco, hearing confessions in the north eastern town of Salazar de la Palmas, assigned planting coffee to his parishioners as penance for their sins. The Archbishop of Colombia heard about this and ordered all priests to adopt the practice. Commercial production of coffee expanded quickly, moving into regions where the growing conditions were ideal. 

Growing Coffee in Colombia 

Even though it’s been 4,000 years, the soil resulting from the last major eruption of Tolima is still considered “young soil,” filled with nutrients that are no longer found at the same levels in old soil. There is a long list of elements on offer in volcanic soil that are fading or absent in other soils, such as high levels of potassium and nitrogen. Also present is something called “Boron,” which arrived from outer space a long time ago, and is important to cell walls, the creation of enzymes, and the production of flowers and fruit, meaning Boron contributes to yield. Beyond the nutrients, the structure of volcanic soil is also beneficial to coffee growing. It can soak up and hold moisture while, at the same time, facilitate good drainage so water doesn’t pool, which is not good for coffee plant roots. Coffee plants like to take a drink, then take a break. Also, volcanic soils are usually found on an incline, which also helps with drainage. 

  • Region Huila - Acevedo, Salado Blanco, La Argentina
  • Farm Name 15 producers
  • Producer Type Small Holder Farmers
  • Processing Washed
  • Processing Description 48-60hr fermentation, sun-dried on patios
  • Bag Type Grain Pro / Ecotact
  • Plant Species Arabica
  • Variety Papayo
  • Min Growing Altitude 1700m
  • Max Growing Altitude 2000m
  • On Sale No
  • Top Lot Yes
  • Status Spot
  • Coffee Grade COL CA WA EXCO EP10
  • CTRM Contract Number P612495-1
  • Country of Origin Colombia
  • Warehouse Continental NJ