Colombia Tolima FTO - Asprasar Coop

Cherry, lime-ade, lemon bar, caramel apple, balanced
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Bag Weight 70 KG BAG
Harvest Season 2021/22
Status Spot
Lot Number P609462-1
  • Out of Stock Bag(s)
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About This Coffee

The ecosystem that surrounds Nevado del Tolima (volcano Tolima) is known generally as alpine tundra and specifically the more unique “neotropical high mountain biome,” characterized by significant fluctuations in temperature described by locals as summer every day and winter every night. At lower altitudes, where the weather is slightly less dramatic, these fluctuations are ideal for growing coffee. The 67 farmers belonging to the Asociación de Productores Agropecuarios de Santa Rosa (ASPRASAR or Association of Producers of Santa Rosa) grow coffee above 1,700 meters in the Saldana highlands of southern Tolima. The average farm size among members of ASPRASAR is 2.5ha (6 acres).

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 Tolima
Farm Name Various smallholders
Certifications FLO Fairtrade Certified, 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 Tolima
  • Farm Name Various smallholders
  • Processing Washed
  • Bag Type Grain Pro / Ecotact
  • Plant Species Arabica
  • Variety Castillo, Caturra, Colombia
  • Screen Size 90% over screen 16
  • On Sale No
  • Top Lot No
  • Status Spot
  • Certifications FLO Fairtrade Certified, Organic certified
  • Coffee Grade COL CA WA EXCO EP10
  • CTRM Contract Number P609462-1
  • Ctrm Region Huila,Tolima
  • Country of Origin Colombia
  • Warehouse The Annex