Honduras and coffee

Coffee from Honduras is gaining worldwide recognition for its exceptional quality and rich flavor profile. The Republic of Honduras is the largest coffee producer in Central America and the sixth largest in the world, producing more than six million 60-kilogram bags of coffee annually. Most of the coffee exported from Honduras goes to the United States and Europe.

History of coffee in the Republic of Honduras

Honduras' coffee history dates back to the 18th century, when coffee beans were exported from the country. The first commercial plantations were established in the 19th century in the western mountain regions. Coffee quickly became an important part of the Honduran economy, and by the early 20th century the country was one of the world's leading coffee exporters.

However, in 1998, Hurricane Mitch caused massive damage to the coffee industry. Plantations were destroyed and coffee production dropped from more than 15 million pounds in 1997 to just four million pounds in 1999. It took several years for the coffee sector to recover.

The shift to single-origin coffee production

After Hurricane Mitch, the Instituto Hondureño de Café (IHCAFE) was established in 1994 to improve the quality of coffee production and support small farmers through low-interest loans and training in new farming techniques. IHCAFE also supports sustainable agricultural practices, which allows farmers to produce high-quality coffee while protecting their lands.

IHCAFE has been instrumental in the transition to single-origin coffee production, which maximizes the potential of the land and produces the best coffee flavors. Thanks to IHCAFE's efforts, the coffee industry in Honduras has grown significantly, and the future of coffee from the country looks promising.

Republic of Honduras and Cup of Excellence

Before 2000, coffee from Honduras was mainly produced for the commercial market. However, in recent years the country has gained recognition on the international coffee scene through its participation in the Cup of Excellence competition. The Cup of Excellence is a prestigious competition that promotes the highest quality single origin coffees. Through participation in this competition, Honduran coffee has gained recognition for its quality and unique flavor profiles.

Geography and climate

The Honduran climate is ideal for growing coffee, with average temperatures around 21 degrees Celsius and abundant rainfall. Most coffee is grown at altitudes between 1,000 and 1,600 meters above sea level, which encourages slow maturation of the beans and enhancement of flavor. The most popular coffee varieties from Honduras are Bourbon, Caturra and Catuai, which account for about 90% of the total crop.

Coffee growing regions in Honduras

Honduras has seven main coffee-growing regions: Copán, Montecillos, Agalta, Opalaca, El Paraíso, Comayagua and La Paz. Each of these regions has unique microclimates and geographic conditions, which translates into a variety of coffee flavor profiles. Coffee from the Copán region has notes of tropical fruit and chocolate, Montecillos offers flavors of caramel and nuts, and coffee from Agalta has distinct notes of citrus and flowers.

Flavor profiles of coffees from Honduras

Coffee from the Republic of Honduras is known for its rich flavor and complexity. You can find notes of apricot, tropical fruit, chocolate and caramel. Each region offers unique flavor profiles that will satisfy even the most discerning coffee drinkers.

Summary

Coffee from Honduras is an excellent choice for coffee lovers looking for unique flavors and aromas. With the support of organizations such as IHCAFE, the future of Honduran coffee looks very promising. We encourage you to discover the variety of flavors that coffee from this country offers.

We encourage you to purchase

We invite you to purchase coffee from Honduras from the online store of Sochaccy Coffee Roasters. We offer freshly roasted coffee of the highest quality that will satisfy even the most demanding coffee lovers. Check out our offer and discover the taste of coffee from Honduras!