Lakhasly

While Colombia's vision is firmly set on the future, with sustainable practices, and water and rainforest preservation central to their farming, producers have also proudly protected their heritage, too, with many farming traditions, unique to the country, still practiced.Traditionally, producers have opted for a fully washed process, but experimentation has become increasingly common as competition on the global market increases and, for many farmers, the focus has shifted from commodity to speciality coffee.

While Colombia’s vision is firmly set on the future, with sustainable practices, and water and rainforest preservation central to their farming, producers have also proudly protected their heritage, too, with many farming traditions, unique to the country, still practiced. Traditionally, producers have opted for a fully washed process, but experimentation has become increasingly common as competition on the global market increases and, for many farmers, the focus has shifted from commodity to speciality coffee.

Smallholder farmers commonly spread the parchment across the flat roofs (known as elvas) of their houses to dry in the sun. Polytunnels and parabolic beds are used at farms sitting at high altitudes where colder weather is common; the parabolic beds protect from rain and mist, and prevent condensation. In Antioquia, drying drawers are used; these moveable drying screens sit under houses or storage sheds, and can be pulled out, and put away, protecting the cherries from changing weather.