Heres what Falcon Speciality the importer of this coffee have to say about it.
Located in the highlands of El Tablón, San Andrés, Lempira, Honduras, at coordinates 14.227° N, 88.565° W, Finca Las Granadillas is the coffee farm of Santos Hermógenes Rodríguez. As a second-generation coffee farmer, Santos inherited his passion for coffee cultivation from his father. He began with small plots and, recognising the profitability and potential of coffee farming, expanded his land to grow various coffee varieties.
The farm spans 10 manzanas (approximately 17 hectares) and yields between 30 to 35 quintals per manzana. It employs three permanent staff members and up to 25 seasonal workers during the harvest season. Santos cultivates high-quality coffee varieties including IHCAFE 90, Lempira, and Parainema. The entire farm operates under a canopy of shade trees, promoting biodiversity and enhancing the quality of the coffee beans.
Organic farming practices are integral to Finca Las Granadillas. Santos uses organic fertilisers made from coffee pulp, chicken manure, and super magro—a type of organic nutrient solution. Fertilisation is carried out three times a year to maintain soil health and productivity.
The coffee processing method is the honey process, known locally as "melado," which requires no water usage. After harvesting the cherries at optimal ripeness, they are fermented for 15 to 20 hours. The cherries are then depulped and placed in clean sacks for an additional fermentation period of about 12 hours. Following fermentation, the beans are spread thinly—approximately 1 centimetre thick—on drying beds and dried in the sun for two days. They are then moved to a shaded drying tunnel for 25 days to complete the drying process. This meticulous method enhances the coffee's unique flavours and characteristics. Quality control is a priority, and the beans are stored in special bags within a controlled warehouse environment to prevent moisture and contamination.
Santos employs biological products for phytosanitary control, emphasising sustainable pest and disease management without the use of harmful chemicals. In addition to coffee, the farm diversifies its crops by cultivating avocados, citrus fruits, bananas, and lemongrass, contributing to both the local economy and ecological balance.
In response to the impacts of climate change, Santos has implemented adaptive strategies such as creating live barriers and increasing monitoring of the coffee plants to address their needs throughout different seasons. These practices help to mitigate environmental challenges and ensure the long-term sustainability of the farm.
