Colombia - El Paseo / Caturra / Anaerobic Washed (Green Coffee) 1KG

This innovative Anaerobic Washed Caturra is produced by Huver Castillo at El Paseo, his family farm in Buesaco, Nariño, Colombia. The lot is also known as “Rocket Flower”, a name given to the coffee in reference to its distinctive processing and highly floral profile.

Huver is a third-generation coffee producer, although his own journey into coffee began relatively recently. Before 2015, he worked as a mathematics teacher in Nariño before returning to work alongside his father at El Paseo. The farm has been in the family for more than 20 years and sits on the slopes overlooking the Buesaco valley, ranging from approximately 1,750 to 1,950 metres above sea level and surrounded by native shade trees.

The process begins with carefully selected ripe Caturra cherries, which undergo a 36-hour pre-fermentation in whole cherry. The cherries are then floated and disinfected using a solution containing sea salt before being transferred to stainless steel tanks fitted with regulated relief valves for anaerobic fermentation.

Following this initial stage, the cherries are pulped and their leachates collected. Around 200 litres of this liquid is returned to each fermentation tank alongside selected enzymes, with the process specifically designed to encourage a pronounced floral expression. The coffee then undergoes an extended six-day fermentation.

After fermentation, the coffee is mechanically dried in silos for 2–3 days at temperatures below 38°C before undergoing a 15-day stabilisation period.

This coffee is a fascinating example of how controlled fermentation can transform a familiar variety. Expect an intensely aromatic and, botanical and floral expression supported by bright citrus and distinctive lemongrass characteristics, while retaining plenty of sweetness and structure for the roaster to explore.

Expected flavour profile: Orange, lime, lemongrass, and florals.