This is our third Colombian coffee this year from our good friends Laura and William at Minga. They helped us source the sugary Guayaba as well as Hervey & Rocio's tasty natural, and now we get to share this special manzano from the Garcia family!
Manzano ('apple' in Spanish) varietal produces a uniquely round coffee cherry, like a mini version of its namesake – and we're picking up loads of juicy apple notes here. These plus notes of tangy kiwi and sweet strawberry mean drinking this coffee is basically like drinking the most delicious fruit salad ever ... It could almost count towards your 5-A-Day.
Fernando and Alejandra Garcia moved from the department of Caquetá to Huila in 2004, fleeing armed conflict in their home region. They settled in El Pital, where Fernando had family, and soon began farming — first beans, then peaches, and eventually coffee.
Fernando is a social activist whose drive and commitment stem from his own experience of displacement. In Huila, he became involved in community movements opposing large hydroelectric dam projects planned by the government and foreign companies. These projects threatened local livelihoods through displacement, environmental damage, and the loss of agricultural and fishing opportunities.
As part of the community’s response, the Diocese organized trainings to help affected families rebuild their livelihoods. It was during these sessions that Fernando learned about crop diversification, a strategy that helps farmers adapt to changing conditions, reduce risks, and strengthen their income sources. By applying these principles, he has developed a solid and resilient business model, combining different crops (like coffee and peaches) and securing stability for his family.
Fernando's wife Alejandra is an important part of his team, caring for farm workers and cooking several meals a day for many people in addition to caring for their children. We are so happy to give her credit alongside Fernando for this delicious lot.
Elevation: 1850 MASL
Varietal: Manzano
Cup Score: 88
Price paid per kg: £12.90
Process: Natural
