Overview

Finca La Hondurita history goes back to 1970, when José’s father began growing coffee on this property, but during the civil war the Montiel family moved to another city called Agua Caliente leaving behind their property. But once the civil unrest was over, José and his family moved back to La Hondurita starting all over, doing coffee replanting, pruning shade trees and reviving the entire farm.

José takes care of this farm since 1997, he processes his coffee at the farm, depulping the cherries with an artisan depulper immediately after harvested, fermentation process lasts nearly 8 hours there, depending on weather and he sun-dried all coffee in patios for 7 to 8 days. He uses clean water for this process only and sedimentation tanks to avoid contamination of water sources.

In the future, José is thinking to develop a little more the Pacamara area. Reinvesting in the farm is a priority for him. Because he won 3rd place together with Raúl Ochoa in last year competition, he was able to pay some debts and now he is happier that this year prize will be entirely for the farm and his family welfare. He is currently working in setting up 1.4 hectares more of Pacamara.

The microclimate in this farm definitely play a role in the cup profile, José also thinks that the whole process, from picking to drying, was key to obtain a prize. That’s why he is deeply involved in all daily activities. He also pays extra wage during picking to reward and support his workers. “I’m very proud because I was able to supervise all the coffee process until the parchment stage, we did a great job this time” he says with a smile on his face.

Because of the prominent existence of fauna in the surroundings, José has prohibited hunting, and keeps a part of his farm as a natural reserve. José and his family were very happy as they saw first hand the huge benefits derived from the COE event for them. La Hondurita farm became another excellent ambassador for Chalatenango and El Salvador this year, and Jose’s dream is to have La Hondurita brand name recognized in the specialty coffee market soon.

Other Statistics:
Coffee varieties: Typica, Pacas & Pacamara
Type of Shade: Guachipilín, Guamo, Liquidambar, Pine, Oak, Encino, Matazano, and other native trees, etc.
Average Annual Rainfall: 2,500 mm
Average Temperature: 17º C
Type of Soil: Clay loam
Annual Production: (60kg) 150 bags
Mill and company where lot was process: Finca La Hondurita Mill
Other crops: 3.5 Ha with Bananas, avocado, and pasture
Other area: 7.7 ha of natural forest
Fauna: Deer, Armadillos, Central American Agouti, White-nosed coati, squirrels, Agouti Paca, toucan, raccoons, woodpeckers, etc.

GPS Coordinates:
Latitude: N 14º 17’ 10.77’’
Longitude: W 89º 06’ 31.33’’