Blend

Velo de Novia is a captivating washed coffee with delightful fruity tones of lemon and chocolate, cultivated in the Santa Rosa de la Yunga terroir of the Cajamarca region, Peru. Harvested by twenty dedicated growers from the El Diamante Comité, spanning 83.5 hectares and led by Israel Vasques Contreras, this coffee is a testament to their commitment to biodiversity.

Grown under the shade amidst various plants and fruit trees, each cherry is meticulously handpicked between May and September to ensure premium quality. Following harvest, the coffee undergoes pulping and washing before a 24 to 36-hour fermentation period. Most producers opt for drying beds, though some use patios, with a minimum drying duration of 6 hours daily for 2 to 4 weeks. Origin Coffee Lab receives the coffee from the El Diamante Comité leader.

Origin Coffee Lab’s Comité system unites producers from a specific terroir, allowing easy blending of coffees of similar quality. In this Comité, each producer is individually compensated. Led by Israel Vasques Contreras, the committee includes Ariel Quispe Vargas, Melber Suarez Villoslada, Saul Suarez Terrones, Onias Guerrero Quispe, Glover Perez Hernandez, Aladino Linares Malca, Dilfredo Cieza Ruiz, Eyder Suarez Alarcon, Alexander Diaz Salazar, Winkler Guerrero Suaraez, Lucas Quispe Vargas, Jubencio Hernandez Sanchez, Malaquias Suarez Torres Derlis, Suarez Alarcon, Teofilo Alarcón Tello, Alipio Villoslada Guerrero, Wilder Suarez Alarcon, Ugo Quispe Vargas, and Nerio Quispe Vargas.

Santa Rosa de la Yunga, comprising the municipalities of Santa Rosa and La Yunga, spans 262.30 km2, with Santa Rosa as its capital at 1,249 meters above sea level. Known for its rich fauna, flora, and tourist attractions, Santa Rosa is a blend of Spanish colonial religious architecture, pre-Hispanic archaeological sites, and natural wonders like Pacuyacu Caves, Pongo de Puerto Salinas, Pongo de Rentema, Naranjales de Montango, the millenary stone of Tupay Tupana, and Baños del Inca hot springs. Situated between the high jungle (400 to 1,000 m) and the Yunga River (1,000 to 2,300 m), the climate ranges from 30°C to 20°C as you ascend the river Yunga.

Santa Maria, a groundbreaking coffee project led by Mildred Daza, is a testament to women’s empowerment in the coffee industry. Situated in Santander near Aratoca, this initiative comprises six farms and embodies a commitment to organic coffee cultivation. Mildred, wife of La Pradera owner Oscar Daza, oversees the project, ensuring it meets the highest standards of Rainforest, organic, Manos de Mujeres, and Bird Friendly certifications.

Situated 1700 meters above sea level, Santa Maria cultivates various coffee varieties, and its unique agroforestry practices contribute to its rich flavors. Mildred, alongside Alba and Luz, manages the entire coffee production process, emphasizing quality and sustainability.

Beyond coffee, Santa Maria’s story is one of female strength and leadership. Andrea, Mildred’s niece, is being prepared to continue this legacy. The project’s vision extends beyond coffee cultivation; it’s about creating a lasting impact, promoting autonomy, and fostering sustainable practices in the industry.