Ana & Nicolas Crespo 'Pillcocaja' Red Honey Ethiope // Azuay, Ecuador
Pillcocaja, operated by Ana & Nicolas Crespo in Ecuador, is renowned for its dedication to biodiversity and sustainable practices. Utilizing 'faiques' as native shade trees, the farm creates a unique microclimate that boosts the health and quality of its coffee cherries. Our partnership with Pillcocaja has thrived since we first met Ana five years ago.
This farm is meticulous in its cultivation of various coffee varieties, tailoring specific processing methods for each. The red honey process, highlighted here, is uniquely applied to this Ethiopian variety, grown under the densest shade on the farm. Following careful selection, the cherries undergo a 24-hour sun exposure before being moved to a controlled environment in the drying room. Here, they are positioned to optimize temperature and airflow, fostering a reddish hue over 20 to 25 days of drying. The coffee is then stabilized at 11%-12% humidity for its resting and stabilization period.
Farm |
Pillcocaja
|
Region |
Yunguilla Valley, Azuay |
Varieties |
Ethiope
|
Elevation |
1600 - 1800 MASL |
Processing |
Red Honey |