Ecuador Finca Arashi Typica Mejorado

COUNTRY: Ecuador
REGION: Loja, Ecuador
FARM: Finca Arashi
VARIETY: Typica Mejorado
PROCESS: Washed
ELEVATION: 1890 M
CUPPING NOTES: Peach, Lemongrass, Cane Sugar

     Situated amidst the picturesque landscapes of Saraguro, Loja, Ecuador, the verdant expanse of Finca Arashi is meticulously managed by Abel Salinas, a seasoned 58-year-old, and a first-generation coffee cultivator. Perched at an elevation of 1,890 meters above sea level, this agricultural haven spans 7 hectares, providing a nurturing habitat for approximately 22,000 coffee trees. The focal point of this thriving plantation is the cultivation of exotic Typica Mejorado, although Abel also tends to the growth of Sidra and H1 Hybrid varieties as well.  Loja is an extremely mountainous area of southern Ecuador, close to the equator and high in the Andes. The southern section of Ecuador has Peru to its south and east. Saraguro has a rich and preserved heritage and indigenous community dating back centuries.
     Abel's dedication to his craft is evident in the intricate process of crafting his Typica Mejorado Washed lot. He begins with the meticulous de-pulping of the coffee and follows through with a precise 24-hour dry fermentation. After washing, there is a 15-day drying period in the greenhouse, where conditions can be controlled.

     The roots of Abel's agricultural prowess can be traced back to his parents, hard-working farmers whose legacy paved the way for his own journey. Raised amid the bounty of fertile lands, Abel's childhood was also unfortunately interwoven with adversities that, despite their challenges, only served to strengthen their familial bond. This enduring spirit of unity in overcoming obstacles is a cherished value that Abel carries with him to this day. When accepting the first-place award in 2021, Abel said, "My parents were always farmers, that's where I inherited my love for the land. As a child I saw many difficulties, but we were always united and I have carried that until now. My parents were not coffee growers, my love for coffee has been born since I sowed, as an adult, my first coffee plant on my own Arashi field. From there I am in love and proud to be a coffee grower. Now coffee is my life. To have reached the first place in this 2021 Ecuador Cup of Excellence contest, is for me a source of immense joy, but at the same time, a very great responsibility".
     We are honored to be able to share this very special and very delicious coffee with you.  It is one of our favorites of the year with a beautiful clean bright and complex profile that only the best washed coffees can offer.