El Gravileo (Washed)- Honduras

About this coffee

Specialty coffee producer Lester Francisco Marquez began growing coffee over ten years ago. His farm, El Gravileo, is named after the Silk Oak that are an important part of the lands92 identity, and it began with only two coffee trees planted, until it expanded to the multitude of crops he has planted today. Originally, Lester92s plan was to cultivate the parainema variety, and began with a greenhouse only a two hour journey away by foot. However, due to his high elevation, the variety didn92t thrive, and so typica was the next option. Despite the elevation not working for the parainema variety, the climate is cool and stable, which is ideal for slow cherry maturation resulting in higher quality cup profiles. Cherries are harvested across El Gravileo and walked 40 minutes to Lester92s home, where he lives with his wife Dima and their son, where it is processed. Rony Gamez and the CafE9 Raga team connected Project Origin with Lester, but also provide technical support and ongoing guidance to producers of Honduras. CafE9 Raga supports producers on the cupping table, too, allowing Lester to learn more stages of the coffee chain and how small adjustments can make large impacts. It really is a wholesome and proactive community setting, encouraging the best and guiding through knowledge to result in the cup profiles we experience today, and tomorrow. When asked what he wishes to see in the specialty coffee industry, Lester mentions 9CI hope the specialty coffee industry continues to recognise the hard work of producers. I would like more opportunities for training and development for farmers and their families so that we can continue improving both the quality and sustainability of our coffee.9D