Mexico - Cafeologia - Oralia Castañón - Typica/Garnica Washed
Country: MexicoRegion: Amatenango de la Frontera, ChiapasFarm: Castañón Morales landProducer: Oralia Castañón MoralesVariety: Typica/GarnicaProcess: WashedElevation: 1700 m.a.s.l.Harvest: 2024-2025
PRODUCER’S AND FARMThis coffee comes to us through our partnership with Cafeología. Based in Chiapas, Mexico, Cafeología is dedicated to strengthening coffee communities by combining scientific research, education, and direct collaboration with producers. Their work supports small farmers, helping preserve traditional practices while fostering innovation and creating opportunities for future generations.
Oralia is a hardworking coffee farmer and a strong, resilient woman, tending to a diverse and healthy parcel that reflects both care and knowledge. Together with her sister Francisca, she takes responsibility for all fieldwork, ensuring that every stage of cultivation supports the vitality of the coffee and the surrounding ecosystem. Beyond her farm, Oralia actively supports her community, participating out of commitment and responsibility rather than obligation. Her work strengthens both the land she tends and the cultural ties that sustain her community, reflecting a deep connection to her heritage and the people around her.
PROCESS DESCRIPTIONThe traditional washed process is carried out by small producers and their families, closely tied to their natural environment. It begins with the handpicking of ripe cherries, followed by depulping on small manual machines. Fermentation takes place in simple cement tanks or plastic tubs, guided by experience rather than timers. The coffee is then washed in spring or river water, scrubbed by hand until the mucilage is gone, usually as a family effort. Finally, the beans are sun-dried on small patios for about fifteen days until they reach the ideal moisture level.
REGIONChiapas, located in southern Mexico, is a region celebrated for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Its mountainous terrain, with altitudes ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 meters, provides the perfect environment for cultivating high-quality coffee. The combination of fertile volcanic soils, abundant rainfall, and varying microclimates allows Chiapas to produce coffees with distinctive flavor profiles, often characterized by bright acidity, fruity notes, and a smooth body. The coffee tradition in Chiapas is deeply rooted in the lives of its indigenous communities, who have been farming the land for generations. These smallholder farmers are committed to sustainable practices, preserving both the environment and their cultural legacy. Chiapas coffee is not just a product; it’s a reflection of the region’s natural beauty and the dedication of its people to crafting exceptional coffee.