El Matazano

Twenty-eight years ago, our friends Sergio and Isabel Ticas began production on Finca Los Planes in the mountainous region of Citala - Chalatenango, El Salvador. Coming from Chalatenango, Sergio was not expected to produce a remarkable coffee. And yet, six years later, Sergio collected his plaque for 2nd Place in the El Salvador Cup of Excellence competition. This award, and his remarkable coffee, helped catapult this “no-name” region of El Salvador into a star in the coffee-growing world.

We met Sergio and Isabel following their 2nd place finish. Jeff Taylor and Sergio Ticas quickly became good friends. Since the first visit, we were immensely impressed by Sergio’s use of the money from the Cup of Excellence competition to improve the processing infrastructure on the farm, thereby improving the processing of future harvests. This showed us their commitment and dedication to quality and constant improvement.

“On that visit, I met a man who has a passion for the land, the people he works with, and the coffee he produces!”
~ Jeff Taylor

Los Planes have engaged in multiple sustainability initiatives over the last few years—most recently, Finca Los Planes installed a new water recovery system to protect the local water supply and purify water before releasing it back into the ecosystem.

Finca Los Planes have placed a high priority on supporting the surrounding community. The neighbors to the farm are also the pickers and day laborers. Supporting the local clinic and providing a place for soccer games and annual festivities creating a solid foundation of trust between the farm and the community. Everyone in the community has a vested interest in a successful harvest each year.

About El Matazano Lot
This shade-grown lot takes its name from the native tree Casimiroa edulis which is known in El Salvador as " El Matazano" widely use for the locals in traditional medicine. It is planted in the lot as part of the canopy providing shade, wind barrier, and a food source for the wildlife.
This Pacamara Variety is grown at the highest elevation of Los Planes farm, over 1700 MASL. Cooler nights at high elevation slow coffee cherry maturation, creating a deeper sweetness in the processed bean.

About The variety
First bred in El Salvador in 1958, Pacamara is a hybrid of the traditional high-production Pacas variety and the giant, flavorful Maragogype variety. Its large cherries produce a coffee that when roasted properly features deep sweetness, complex fruit notes, and a creamy body.