Colombia Huila Organic - El Bombo

Tart cherry, lemon bar, apple, caramel
TOP LOT
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Bag Weight 70 KG BAG
Harvest Season 2021/22
Status Spot
Lot Number P609032-1
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About This Coffee

Among the many small highland lakes of the Huila region of southern Colombia, 95 coffee growers from six villages came together in 2016 to form the El Bombo Cooperative. Although their producer’s association is only six years old, these small family farmers have almost 20 years of experience with organic practices. Working together to process and market their coffee, the farmers of El Bombo grow caturra, colombia, and Castillo at 1650-2100 under native shade trees and in a wide-variety of micro-climates.

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 Pitalito - South Huila
Co-Op ASOBOMBO
Farm Name Various smallholders
Climate Subtropical highland
Certifications Organic certified

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 Pitalito - South Huila
  • Farm Name Various smallholders
  • Producer Type Small Holder Farmers
  • Processing Washed
  • Bag Type Grain Pro / Ecotact
  • Plant Species Arabica
  • Variety Castillo, Caturra, Colombia
  • Screen Size 90% over screen 16
  • Co-Op ASOBOMBO
  • Climate Subtropical highland
  • On Sale No
  • Top Lot Yes
  • Status Spot
  • Certifications Organic certified
  • Coffee Grade COL CA WA EXCO EP10
  • CTRM Contract Number P609032-1
  • Ctrm Region Tolima
  • Country of Origin Colombia
  • Warehouse Continental NJ