Growing Araúz Estate Coffee
Figure 1: Shaded Lane through the Araúz coffee plants.
Growing the best quality coffee on the Araúz Estate begins with our ideal location in the Tropical Central American Highlands of Panama. The high altitude above 3600 feet, rich volcanic soil and ideal climate all work together to nurture excellent coffee plants. Our average temperature is about 66°F (19°C) with days ranging between 58 to 85°F (14 to 30°C) depending upon the season (Wet and Dry).
We only grow Arabica Coffee varieties which are known worldwide for producing the best quality coffee. Our farm has several varieties of Arabica Coffee each grown in their own lots. The highest percentage are Typica, Catuaí and Caturra. These are common Central American varieties. The plants are hearty and yeild cherries noted for making superb full-bodied and delicately flavored cupped coffee.
We select our seeds from only the best plants and carefully nurture them through the important first year of growth. They are then transplanted to ideal natural locations that deliver the proper amount of sunlight and shade. The plants are fed and pruned regularly to keep them strong, healthy and manageable. An un-pruned coffee tree can grow to 40+ feet. We control grass and weeds by cutting and do not use herbicides. From the time a seed is planted in the farm nursery to the production of coffee cherries is about 3 years. Well cared for plants can produce more than 25 years.
Figure 2. Catuaí Mixed Green and Red Coffee Cherries.
The coffee cherries ripen from late October through January and the cherries do not all ripen at the same time. Pickers pass through the fields several times during the harvest months carefully picking only the ripest red cherries. This is labor intensive requiring stamina and careful attention to detail. As part of our team, the farm laborers and pickers work diligently and hard to bring you only the best for your cup.
For more information about growing coffee checkout the Growing Links.