Honduras Benjamin Hernandez - Lempira *TOP LOT*

This is a washed Lempira SHG microlot from producer Benjamin Hernandez and his farm Rancho Orbes in the Comayagua region of Honduras.

THE PRODUCER

Rancho Orbes is situated at 1,750masl in the village of Guerisne, Ojojona, in the Comayagua region of Honduras. The farm is made up of 50% Catuai, 25% Lempira and 25% Parainema. This lot is 100% Lempira.

Benjamin Hernandez originally purchased his farm with the intention of employing a diversified model: fruit trees, livestock, grains and land to live on. Around 15 years ago his friend encouraged him to start planting coffee. Over time he began to grow his coffee production with help from his wife who handled the marketing. After a few years the family decided to move into specialty coffee after seeking advice from a local exporter. From here they were able to implement the agronomic and post-harvest practices necessary to produce top quality arabica.

Don Benjamin has a big heart and vision. He is active in his local community and has spearheaded a lot of projects to support other producers in his region.

THE PROCESS

Ripe cherries are pulped on the day of harvest and fermented without water for an average of 23 hours to breakdown the remaining sugary mucilage. The coffee is then washed at least 4 times with clean water and dried immediately on raised beds for 20 - 32 days. Strong winds in the region mean that the coffee dries slowly but evenly. During this time the coffee is carefully turned and selected to remove any defects. It is also covered during the hottest part of the day and during the night to protect against sun or moisture damage.

THE REGION

Ojojona is a relatively new area for coffee production. The first farms started just 15 years ago with the intention of opting for a new cash-crop that would help improve the economy of working families. Farmers adopted the methodologies of nearby regions that have traditionally produced coffee. The specialty movement has been gradually making an impression on the region and exporters have now started working with a small number of producers to improve quality along the production & supply chain.