Plot Ecuador Olinka Velez Whole Bean

7oz / 200g
Notes: Yuzu, Floral, Berries, Caramel
Region: Sozoranga, Loja
Producer: Olinka Velez, Chorora, Rene Buitron
Varietal: Sidra
Processing: Washed Carbonic Maceration
Elevation: 1600 m
Harvest: May - August 2024
 
From Plot:
 
"Here’s another stunner from Ecuador for you. This Sidra from our old favourite Chorora, has an experimental processing protocol dubbed “Passion Flowers”. A controlled carbonic maceration with lactic bacteria has resulted in a coffee with exquisite juiciness and depth. We get loads of juicy citrus like yuzu with rich berries, delicate floral aromas and a deep sweetness like caramel. This is an intensely satisfying cup and one we could drink all day, every day.
 
Story
This process began as an experiment from Yambamine, Chorora’s sister farm, when one of our friends from the UK and René, Olinka’s son, decided to try an experimental protocol which they named “passion flowers”. The results were impressive, so René decided to replicate the process at Chorora.
 
After harvest, cherries are pulped, leaving some sticky fruit mucilage attached. The coffee is then placed in tanks along with the skin and fruit removed during de-pulping. This skin, or “cascara,” is normally discarded and used as fertilizer, but it’s rich in microbes and contains sugars beneficial for fermentation. Cultivated lactic bacteria is added to the tank before sealing it and injecting CO2 to initiate a carbonic maceration, which continues for 72 hours. Finally, the seeds are washed clean of remaining fruit and laid on African beds for controlled drying.
 
Producer
Chorora is owned by Olinka Velez and is the sister farm of Yambamine. These farms are situated side by side on a steep hillside, surrounded by primary cloud forest and intersected by the historic “Inca Road” that once linked Cuzco with Quito. The land offers breath-taking views over the Macará Valley, with Peru visible on the horizon.
 
Olinka describes their journey in coffee cultivation as a transformative way of life. Both sisters began planting coffee around 2010 following significant life changes. Since then, they have transitioned from city life to the land, investing immense effort, time, and passion into coffee production. As Diana and Olinka describe it, this land is mystical and imbued with positive energy.
 
The farm is divided into two main parcels: Chorora, meaning “water well” in Kichwa, and Yambamine, meaning “land of gold.” Together, these two plots encompass eight hectares of coffee plantations. The varieties grown here include Typica Mejorado, Hybrid, and Sidra, while new varietals such as Wush Wush and Pink Bourbon are currently being trialled. A research laboratory is under construction on the farm, dedicated to developing new processing methods, experimenting with microbiology, and cross-breeding different varieties.
 
Chorora and Yambamine are highly regarded and recognized for their transparency, vision, and personal commitment. These farms are pioneers in Ecuador, leading the way in innovative coffee processing techniques, including carbonic maceration, anaerobic fermentation, and the introduction of natural lactobacillus. Their unwavering dedication to producing the highest quality coffee ensures they constantly strive for improvement."