El Encanto is one of two farms managed by Juan Saldarriaga in Ciudad Bolívar, Antioquia. Sitting between 1380-1800 masl and spanning 26 hectares, the farm is known for its meticulous upkeep and diverse planting. Juan took over the running of the family farms in 2012 from his father, Luis Saldarriaga, and has since focused on understanding how different varieties perform across the farms, planting multiple cultivars and investing heavily in refining processing and drying techniques. El Encanto also features a variety garden, showcasing the wide range of cultivars grown.
For this natural lot, ripe cherries were selectively harvested through block-by-block picking and separation by cultivar, and then carefully hand-sorted before drying. Drying is a particular focus at El Encanto. In response to the region’s high humidity, Juan has invested in covered raised beds, parabolic dryers, and a temperature controlled cold dryer, allowing for slow drying over 20-30 days. These precise methods have played a significant role in elevating the overall quality and consistency of the coffees produced. This is our eighth year buying coffee from Juan. This coffee reflects his thoughtful, detail-driven approach and the wider shift taking place in Antioquia toward more deliberate, quality focused production.
Seasonal buying is about seeing coffee as a crop not a commodity, buying in harmony with the growing seasons to enjoy coffee at its best. This kind of buying has always been the backbone of our business and it’s something we’ve improved and refined every year.
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