Marvellous Microlot! Hurray for Honduras!
Producer: Nelson Soza
Region: Samaria, San Jeronimo
Altitude: 1500 -1700m
Varietal: Lempira, Caltimore
Process Method: Fully Washed
Farm size: 1 Hectare
The Producer
Finca El Aguacate was established 25 years ago by the producer Tomas Soza Calderon and his family. In 2017 after the death of Tomas Soza, the farm was divided among his four male children, generating four lots of land and retaining the name of “El Aguacate” in the lot now owned by Nelson Soza Euceda, one of the four children. Nelson was born in the late 1970’s, and along with his wife has fathered four boys, currently aged 18, 14, 11 and 5 years.
The Farm
The plantation contains tress that are 10 years old and averages an annual production of 60qq of dry parchment. The parcel of land is just 1 hectare and situated at 1600 metres above sea level. The farm is located about 3 kilometres from the Nelson Soza’s residence, in a community called Las Aradas in the municipality of San Jerónimo, Comayagua, Honduras.
‘A superb producer whose willingness to explore new and improved quality methods have helped create this beautiful coffee.’
Processing Method
After hand picking the cherry is processed and slowly over 10 days in solar dryers. The farm being some distance from Nelson’s residence means that carrying materials and organic agricultural practice is more complicated and expensive, especially during the rainy season.
Fairtrade Coop
The cultivation of coffee for this family represents their heritage and livelihood, since more than 90% of their income depends on the sale of coffee. Nelson Soza has been an active member of the COAPROCL cooperative since November 2017, where, in agreement with his brothers, he took the place of his father Tomas Soza Calderon, who unfortunately died in October of that same year. Nelson currently serves as vice-president of the COAPROCL. This coffee is Fairtrade, but they don’t sell it as a Fairtrade coffee.