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Honduras San Marcos FTO – COCASAM

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P610292-1

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About This Coffee

About This Coffee

COCASAM, or the Cooperativa Cafetalera Sanmarquena, was founded in 1988 by 16 small coffee producers and recognized legally in October 1990 by the National Honduran Institute of Cooperatives. The farms are on the Botija ridge, a mountainous area in the Municipality of San Marcos de Colón. This was the first place in the country to produce coffee. COCASAM sits at altitude between 1,200 and 1,600 meters. COCASAM prides itself in its farmers’ traditional practices, using production methods first introduced by French and German immigrants in the 1800s. The cooperative works to produce primarily high-quality coffee while protecting the environment and improving the livelihoods of farmer families and the community. This Fair Trade and Organic coffee is 100% shade grown and 100% sun dried.

Country of OriginHonduras
Harvest Season2022/23
Coffee GradeHND CA WA SHG
Bag TypeGrain Pro / Ecotact
Plant SpeciesArabica
ProcessingWashed

 

RegionSan Marcos de Colón
Farm NameVarious smallholders
Growing Altitude1200-1500m
CertificationsFLO Fairtrade Certified, Organic certified

History of Coffee in Uganda

 

Coffee has deep roots in Uganda, with robusta beans growing wild around Lake Victoria long before colonial times. While Ugandans traditionally used these beans for cultural rituals, commercial coffee farming only took off during British colonial rule in the early 20th century. The British saw potential in Uganda’s fertile soils and introduced Arabica coffee in the highlands, while promoting robusta across the country. After independence in 1962, coffee became Uganda’s leading export, despite disruptions during periods of political instability. A revival in the 1990s, driven by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority, transformed Uganda into one of Africa’s top coffee producers, renowned for its high-quality robusta and specialty Arabica beans.

Growing Coffee in Uganda

In Uganda, the most ideal conditions for Arabica coffee cultivation are found in the high-altitude regions of Mount Elgon in the east and the Rwenzori Mountains in the west. These areas, with elevations ranging from 1,300 to over 2,300 meters above sea level, provide the cool temperatures and rich volcanic soils that Arabica coffee thrives on. Uganda produces both washed and naturally processed coffees, and in recent years, experimental methods like honey processing have also gained traction. The country grows a variety of Arabica coffee strains, including SL14, SL28, and Blue Mountain, with specialty coffee grades ranging from AA, AB to Peaberry, known for their distinct flavors and high quality.

Sample Roasting: A Step-by-Step Guide

Consistency is essential in sample roasting, but the timing of the first crack can vary from batch to batch. To ensure optimal results, use this guide to determine the ideal moment to end your roast based on how long it took to reach the first crack.

download the Guide