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PERU Single Origin Single Estate washed Microlot
- Country: Peru
- Region: Queromarca, Callayuc, Cajamarca
- Producer: Merly Leon
- Farm : El Churaz
- Variety: Bourbon
- Coffee Grade : PER CA WA SHB MCM G1
- Altitude: 2250 M.A.S.L
- Processing Method: Washed
The Producer
This washed microlot is sourced from a woman producer, Merly Leon. Her 2.5ha farm El Churaz is situated in Queromarcaat 2,250masl, making it ideal for the production of specialty coffee due to its abundant sunshine and cool temperatures. Along with her sister Ismeria who also operates a farm in the region, Merly is driven and inquisitive, constantly seeking to improve quality and producitivity on the farm. This washed microlot includes an extended 48 hour anaerobic fermentation before washing.
The Region
The region of Callayuc is one of the districts of the Cutervo province, Cajamarca, in the north of Peru. This territory features lush tropical jungle with abundant biodiversity, and has fertile valleys at its centre. With varying altitudes from 690 masl. to 2,800 masl, Its geographical conditions allow for the existence of a vast range of flora and fauna.
Queromarca is located at an elevation above 2000 masl. and has several microclimates, ideal for the production of specialty coffees.
Also, in the Callayuc region you will find Cerro Pabellon, which is a mountain peak that exceeds 2200 masl. and is mostly surrounded by forest. This peak is also part of a chain of local mountains, with endemic characteristics and is considered a wildlife refuge.
Peru Overview
Though coffee arrived in Peru relatively early—in the middle of the 1700s—it wasn’t cultivated for commercial export until the early 20th century, as demand from Europe rose due to a significant decrease in coffee production in Indonesia. British presence and influence in the country helped increase and drive exports. In the early 1900s, the British government took ownership of roughly 2 million hectares of land from the Peruvian government as payment on a defaulted loan, and much of that land became British-owned coffee plantations.
As in many Central and South American countries, the large European-owned landholdings were sold or redistributed throughout the 20th century. Farms became smaller and more fragmented, offering independence to farmers but also limiting their access to resources and a larger commercial market. Unlike many other countries whose coffee economy is dominated by smallholders, Peru lacks the organization or infrastructure to provide economic or technical support to farmers—a hole that outside organizations and certifications have sought to fill. The country has a remarkable number of certified-organic coffees, as well as Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, and UTZ-certified coffees. Around 30 percent of the country’s smallholders are members of democratic co-ops, which has increased the visibility of coffees from the area but has done little to bring incredibly high-quality lots into the spotlight.
As of the 2010s, Peru is one of the top producers of Arabica coffee, often ranked fifth in world production and export of Arabica. In the past the remoteness and incredibly small size of the average farm has made it challenging for many smaller producers to bring their specialty microlot coffee beans to the wider world market.