Thelma de Gutierrez’s journey with coffee began in her childhood, growing up on her family’s farm, where the scent of ripe coffee cherries filled the air. As a third-generation coffee producer, she continued the legacy by purchasing Finca Madre Tierra in 2006, followed by Finca Lemus Bella Vista in 2014—named after family friend Carlos Lemus. Nestled in the Ilamatepec mountain range near the town of Ataco, these farms are known for their rich volcanic soils and a natural spring that nourishes the land year-round. The environment is lush with native shade trees, fostering a sanctuary for wildlife and creating ideal conditions for coffee cultivation.
Thelma’s dedication to sustainable farming is evident in her practices, using nature to protect her coffee plants by encouraging beneficial fungi and insects that help control diseases and pests without harming the environment. Her unwavering love for coffee and a deep commitment to quality drive her every day. “My love and passion for coffee is what keeps us going,” she says, determined to continuously improve her farms and tackle challenges like droughts, diseases, and financing hurdles.
During the harvest, each coffee cherry is carefully handpicked for quality. The cherries are then dried at Beneficio El Carmen, where they are sun-dried on clay patios for around 30 days, turned frequently to ensure even drying. The result is a natural process that highlights the flavors within this Pacamara variety—a hybrid born in El Salvador in the 1950s, blending the productive Pacas and the large-beaned Maragogype.
El Salvador’s coffee history runs deep. Once the fourth-largest coffee producer in the world, the country is still revered for its exceptional varieties like Bourbon and Pacamara. Even as coffee production has decreased over the years, a new generation of farmers, including Thelma, is embracing a shift from volume to quality. With a skilled workforce and ideal conditions for sun drying, El Salvador remains a leader in crafting extraordinary coffees.
Matte Black Coffee Bag Bundle - With Valve & Rippa Zippa
Matte Black Coffee Bag Bundle - With Valve
