Farm: Delmy Hernandez, Finca Las Cascaritas
Variety: Catuai
Altitude: 1300MASL
Process: Koji Natural
Tasting note: Cherry, Dark Chocolate, Candied Almond
At Finca Las Cascaritas, helmed by third-generation coffee farmer Delmy Hernandez and her son Moises Hidardo Hernandez, the art of coffee cultivation reaches new heights through innovative techniques, including Koji fermentation. This meticulous process enhances the flavor profile of their diverse coffee varieties, such as Parainema, Catuai, Bourbon, and Obata.
The journey begins with the careful selection of fully ripe coffee cherries. Post-harvest, the beans undergo a thorough washing before being placed in barrels. Here, they are immersed in water and introduced to Koji, a filamentous fungus widely used in East Asia for various fermentation purposes.
To optimize Koji proliferation, the barrels are left uncovered for 24 hours in a high-humidity environment. After this period, the coffee seeds transform into a pristine white, showcasing the successful integration of Koji fungus. The beans are then meticulously dried on African beds for 21 days.
This unique Koji fermentation technique sets Finca Las Cascaritas apart and imparts distinctive fruity and winey notes to their specialty coffees. Moises Hidardo's dedication to experimentation extends to the cultivation of unusual varietals and non-traditional processes. The result? A captivating array of coffees that cater to consumers with adventurous taste preferences.
About the Producer - Delmy Hernandez
Delmy Hernandez, alongside her son Moises, manages Finca Las Cascaritas with a commitment to quality and innovation. The 3.5-hectare farm, nestled in hilly terrain at altitudes ranging from 1230 MASL to 1300 MASL, boasts a rich diversity of plant life, including native pine trees, bananas, American walnuts, and hazel pines.
In addition to their traditional natural, honey, and washed specialty coffees, Moises Hidardo's exploration of experimental microlots since 2015 has yielded exceptional cup profiles. These unique offerings showcase the potential of lesser-known varietals and non-traditional processes.
IN A SPECIAL COLABERATION WITH OFFSHOOT COFFEE IN PERTH, THE FIRST 10 ORDERS OF THIS COFFEE WILL RECIEVE A FREE BAG OF THE SAME KOJI PROCESS COFFEE FORM OFFSHORTOT WITH YOUR ORDER.