Colombia IMH Risaralda Decaf

This decaf is from a Colombian project that promotes greater recognition for women in coffee by providing production training alongside gender equality training in a rural area where these things do not usually co-exist. Igualdad Mujeres Hombres/Equality Women and Men is a new relationship for us, and we're excited to support IMH producers like Teresa Hurtado and her daughter Angelica (pictured above) by bringing you this tasty decaf!

This decaf coffee is sweet and fruity with just the right amount of gentle acidity. Notes of star fruit and fig mingle with sugary caramel for a vibrant yet mellow finish ... you won't even miss the caffeine. 

We sourced this coffee through our friends at Raw Material, a non-profit that returns surplus payments to producers. Here's a bit more about IMH in their words:

Given the different social and cultural dynamics in the rural areas of Colombia, women have faced multiple barriers to positions of leadership in their own communities and family businesses. In spite of this, women’s work is essential to the sustainability of the coffee supply chain. And though this is commonly understood, many women struggle immensely to achieve management roles or appreciation for their efforts.

The women’s group IMH (Igualdad Mujeres Hombres) is an initiative of rural women who are committed to learning all that it takes to produce high-quality specialty coffee. The group are focussed on processing techniques, from picking to drying, with the goal of improving flavour for sale into the specialty market. Igualdad Mujeres Hombres hosts workshops and exchanges between both male and female coffee producers. The goal is to enhance productivity in the long term, encouraging respectful dynamics between men and women in these rural areas of Colombia.

Their farms are located near the Tatama national park in the northwest of Risaralda, which provides a unique microclimate for high-quality coffee production. Producers in the association are able to access the specialty supply chain, whilst simultaneously creating a respectful environment for women coffee producers.

 

Elevation: 1600-1800 Metres Above Sea Level

Varietal: Castillo, V. Colombia, Caturra

Cup score: 85

Price paid per kg: £11.93

Process: Washed, Ethyl Acetate (sugar cane) decaffeination

 

Pictured below from top left to bottom right:

Producer Teresa Hurtado on her farm Las Brisas

Producer Fabiola Mena

Angelica Hurtado