MEXICO LOS AZARES - ESPRESSO

In this region, the native language in Tzajalchen is Tzeltal, and 100% of the population can speak Tzeltal. Coffee cultivation is usually managed by family members, rarely hiring out external workers. 70% of the population wears traditional clothing, and 46% of the producers are women producers.

Before the arrival of Spanish conquerors, Tzeltal indigenous people settled in the actual Tzajalchen area. The Aztecan people came and lived here, but in the 16th century, Dominican Friars started to colonize the area. In 1712 Tzeltal people started to rebel against the Dominican people, resulting in the entirety of the population today being the Tzeltal indigenous people.

Pedro's father, along with his three brothers, initially grew corn and beans. There weren't any coffee trees planted in the farm. More than 30 years ago, a program of INMECAFE (El Instituto Mexicano del Café) arrived in Tzajalchen and brought coffee seeds of Bourbon and Caturra to plant, and that's how they started coffee cultivation in the area. About 20 years ago, his father handed over the farm to him and his two brothers, then Mr. Pedro began to work organically with his wife and his son. He produced 15 quintales from his 1-ha farm, and bought three more hectares. Now his farm is 4-has and continues to maintain organic practices.

The harvest is picked by hand, selecting only 100% ripe cherries, and is usually done in 4 picking sessions per season. Pulping is done on the same day of the harvest, and the coffee is then fermented for 10-16 hours. The drying continues for 3-4 days thanks to the sunny climate on the roof of the house.