Things have recently changed for Honduran coffee. Finally, it is receiving the recognition it deserves! Let’s see how everything has changed.
A somewhat risky coffee
Honduras has earned the nickname of "The most dangerous country on the planet" in the media.
But it makes great coffee!
It borders Nicaragua and Guatemala, both producers of high-quality coffee beans.
Coffee cultivation has had an impact on the country, paving the way for a possibly brighter future.
Faced with violence and poverty, coffee became an important source of income for Honduras. In 2009, after a political coup, the country faced bankruptcy.
The government discovered that coffee crops could generate employment and much-needed foreign exchange.
High-altitude beans
Coffee beans grown at higher altitudes are generally considered to have better flavor and quality.
At higher altitudes, temperatures tend to be cooler, allowing for a slower maturation process.
The slow cycle gives sugars more time to develop, resulting in richer and deeper flavors. That said, some of the best coffees in the world are cultivated below 2,000 feet.
The majority of coffee grown in Honduras comes from classic Arabica varieties, the "old Arabicas."
This includes varieties like Bourbon and Typica.
The result is a simple, perhaps predictable cup. Honduran farmers tend not to experiment much with more modern coffee development techniques. The consumer gets a distinctive, recognizable, and classic coffee cup.
