Colombia Tolima FTO - Planadas Selection

Nice sweetness and balance, dark chocolate, tart cherry, lemon bar, toffee
TOP LOT
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Bag Weight 70 KG BAG
Harvest Season 2021/22
Status Spot
Lot Number P609031-1
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About This Coffee

Although the municipality of Planadas is located in the Tolima department of Colombia, named after the volcano Tolima, it is the volcano Huila that looms on the horizon to the south. The northern foothills of this volcano in the neighboring department, with nutrient rich soils and ice cap water source, that are home to many small coffee farms throughout Planadas. Over 135 of these farms belong to the ASOPEP coffee association whose mission not only includes marketing coffee and protecting the environment, but the personal well-being of its members.  

Country of Origin Colombia
Harvest Season 2021/22
Coffee Grade COL CA WA EXCO EP10
Bag Type Grain Pro / Ecotact
Plant Species Arabica
Processing Washed
Variety Castillo, Caturra, Colombia
Region Planadas, Ataco, & Gaitana
Co-Op ASOPEP
Farm Name 135 small farmers

History of Coffee in Colombia

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 Planadas, Ataco, & Gaitana
  • Farm Name 135 small farmers
  • Processing Washed
  • Processing Description Fermented 28 hours, solar parabolic drying for 10-15 days
  • Bag Type Grain Pro / Ecotact
  • Plant Species Arabica
  • Variety Castillo, Caturra, Colombia
  • Screen Size 90% over screen 16
  • Co-Op ASOPEP
  • On Sale No
  • Top Lot Yes
  • Status Spot
  • Coffee Grade COL CA WA EXCO EP10
  • CTRM Contract Number P609031-1
  • Ctrm Region Tolima
  • Country of Origin Colombia
  • Warehouse The Annex

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