By: Bianca Bagley
At Intercontinental Coffee Trading, we take pride in our role as a national green coffee supplier, connecting coffee enthusiasts with the finest beans from around the world. Recently, our team had the privilege of visiting Cafescor in Corquin, Honduras, one of our esteemed coffee bean producers. This journey unveiled the intricate process that transforms hand-picked coffee cherries into the premium, full-bodied beans that grace your cup.
The Coffee Odyssey: From Cherry to Bean
1. Hand-Picking the Coffee Cherries:
The journey of coffee begins in the fertile lands of Corquin, where skilled hands meticulously harvest coffee cherries during the peak harvest period from December to April. The art of hand-picking ensures only the ripest cherries are chosen, setting the foundation for a truly exceptional brew.
2. Meticulous Washing and Depulping:
Once plucked, the coffee cherries undergo a meticulous washing and depulping process. This step is crucial in preserving the purity of the beans, eliminating any unwanted residues and preparing them for the subsequent stages of production.
3. Patio Drying:
The washed beans are then spread out on patios, basking in the Honduran sun for 1-2 weeks. This period of patio drying allows the beans to absorb the natural essence of the surroundings, imparting unique flavors and characteristics to each batch.
4. Final Resting on African Drying Beds:
As the beans approach their final stage, they find repose on African Drying Beds. This additional resting period ensures a harmonious development of flavors, contributing to the distinctive profile that defines premium Honduran coffee.
The Honduran Coffee Landscape: A Symphony of Taste
Washed and Graded by Altitude:
Honduran coffee, particularly the premium variety, is renowned for its full-bodied sweetness and mild acidity. The beans are predominantly washed-processed, and their quality is often graded by the altitude at which they were cultivated. This meticulous grading ensures that every cup tells a story of the land from which it originates.
Harvest to Arrival:
The harvest season spans from December to April, with the beans making their way to the global market between April and June. This carefully orchestrated timeline ensures that the freshness and quality of Honduran coffee are preserved, delivering a delightful experience with every sip.
Honduras: The Rising Star in Coffee Production:
Despite facing challenges such as natural disasters and political unrest, Honduras has emerged as the world’s 7th-leading coffee producer. The country has not only increased its volume but has also seen improvements in the quality of its coffee beans. The finest Honduran coffees stand out, offering a consistent testament to the dedication and expertise of its coffee producers.
Savoring Excellence, One Cup at a Time
As we reflect on our visit to Cafescor in Corquin, Honduras, the journey of coffee unfolds as a captivating tale of dedication, tradition, and craftsmanship. The lush landscapes of Corquin, coupled with the expertise of the coffee artisans, create a symphony of flavors that captivate the senses.
At ICT, we are honored to be a part of this journey, bringing the exceptional beans of Cafescor to your cup. Each sip is not just a beverage; it’s an exploration of the rich Honduran coffee heritage, carefully nurtured from cherry to bean. Join us in savoring excellence, one cup at a time. Contact us today to try Honduran coffee for yourself!
In our commitment to being a leading green coffee supplier, we at Intercontinental Coffee Trading find joy in linking coffee lovers with the world’s best coffee beans. Our recent expedition brought us to Cafescor in Corquin, Honduras—an esteemed coffee bean producer in our network. This adventure provided a firsthand look at the meticulous journey from hand-picked coffee cherries to the creation of the premium, full-bodied beans that fill your cup with satisfaction.