Nicaragua El Arbol Lot Mira Caturra Washed (green)

Description

Region: Diplito

Farm: El Arbol

Alititude: 1350 masl

Arabica Varietal: Caturra

Process: Washed

Producer: Claudia Lovo

In the cup: Creamy texture, sparkling acidity, medium weight. Mandarin, toffee, chocolate, citrus, apple, caramel and hints of red fruit and peach.

About El Arbol

In 2016, World Barista Champion and the founder of ONA Coffee, Sasa Sestic, teamed up with a couple of local Nicaraguan producers to buy Finca El Arbol. The goal was to plant new and exciting varietals and to experiment with processing methods to create new flavour experiences. On top of      this, processing and varietal ‘recipes’ are spread to neighbouring farms to help improve the whole   surrounding community in Diplito. The name “El Arbol” comes from the giant tree that dominates the centre of the farm and this is one of three farms in Central America either owned or part-owned by Sasa. He works very closely with a company called Bridazul. “Brida” commonly refers to a cable tie or clamp but a more general meaning is “to tie or connect”. “Azul” means blue (the dominant colour of the Nicaraguan flag), so the combination of these two words is used to symbolise the connection between what happens at a coffee farm all the way to the end user, and being able to trace and understand every step of the process. The farm is on track to become fully organic by around 2025 as they slowly reduce the use of chemicals that are currently being used to fight la roya (leaf rust). These chemicals are helping to strengthen the soil but are gradually being replaced with organic compost from local animals, trees, vegetables and flowers. The aim is to increase bio-diversity on the farm and in the local area, so that the natural environment itself returns to being self-sustaining and nutrient rich. This will hopefully also ensure high quality coffee production so that the farm can fully support full time, all year workers. The workers at Finca El Arbol are one of the defining differences of this farm. All meals are cooked on the farm and both the managers and the workers eat together. Basic healthcare is provided to all staff (including access to a dentist) and children of workers are provided with tutors to boost computer and English skills.