Colombia Manos Juntas Natural

Manos Juntas is a micromill in the Sotara area of Colombia's Cauca region. Operated and managed by Banexport, this microlot model allows producers to focus on healthy production of specialty coffee and quality of life. The mill has 8 smallholder producers, each of them holding 1-2 hectares of coffee.  After harvesting the cherries, Brix (sugar) and pH tests are done before they are placed in large, airtight tanks for a five day long anaerobic fermentation. Nitrogen gas is added to the tanks to stimulate yeast activity, while more pH tests are done to determine a stopping point of fermentation. The cherries are then “aged” in tanks for another five days, before being sun dried. Drying takes 30-45 days. Due to this process, the coffee results in distinct notes of berry, tart fruit, and chocolate, with a winey acidity.