EL SALVADOR - PICACHO RFA

The Holman family has been producing coffee in Apaneca-Ilamatepec for over 120 years. They expanded on their initial property, Finca Santa Isabel, by purchasing Finca San Blas and Finca Antioquita.  Today, owner Jeff Holman continues his family tradition of coffee farming with a focus on protecting the environment through the farms’ Rainforest Alliance certifications. The composition of each lot varies, but is traceable to the farm level.

In addition to their focus on their environment, the Holmans are also dedicated to ethical farming and employment practices. There is a school and church on the land, as well as 16 houses for workers. These homes were renovated in 2019 and 2020 to ensure that employees have access to safe, affordable housing.  The farm protects both workers and the environment by being completely herbicide-free. They also preserve the over 35 native plant and animal species living on the farm and reduce pollution as much as possible.

RFA stands for Rainforest Alliance, a certification system that emphasizes climate-smart agriculture. RFA farms have at least 40% of land covered in canopy, significant species diversity (at least 12 native tree species per hectare, on average) and a system of natural vegetation buffers between agricultural land and bodies of water.  The farms also use organic fertilizers.

Cupping Notes:

Light-Medium Roast; Cocoa, nutty, Citrus acidity, creamy body & mouthfeel, with notes of green tea aroma.

The Region: Apaneca Ilamatepec Mountains

Mapache's Strictly High Grown coffees come from the two Finca El Naranjito properties and Finca Casa de Zinc, three of the company's six estates. These neighboring farms are located in Concepción de Ataco in the municipality of Ahuachapán. Bourbon and Pacas varieties make up the majority of the crops here, with these three properties accounting for 60 percent of Mapache's total coffee growing area. Gifted with an ideal climate for growing coffee, Finca El Naranjito and Casa de Zinc sit at an average of 1,300 meters above sea level with a stellar view of the Pacific Ocean. El Imposible National Park, the largest forest reserve in El Salvador, sits just one mile away. As with every coffee we source through Mapache, you can be sure that thoughtful preparation and consistency shine through in the cup.

Coffee Production in El Salvador

There are currently 23,000 coffee growers in El Salvador and close to 90% of them own farms smaller than 17 hectares in size. The area cultivated by small and mid-size farmers supplies 80% of the country’s total production. Additionally, approximately 15,000 small farmers have organized themselves into 119 cooperatives in the reformed sector, providing economic and social support to member families. There are also around 3,000 producers who are members of traditional cooperatives, which are responsible for about 30% of El Salvador’s total coffee production.