This morning, I got up with the kids - which also meant that it was my turn to make the coffee. What greeted me was a pre-release bag of our latest Special Edition - Honduras COMSA. Delightful is the first word that came to mind as I took my first sip. Distinctive sweet berry notes with a rich cocoa depth to it - savouring this in the cold, early morning, the day suddenly looked much brighter.
This Special Edition comes from COMSA, a co-operative in Marcala, Honduras. One of the things that sets this Special Edition apart is that the berries have been naturally processed.
These vibrant, plump cherries are laid out whole to dry. As they bask in the sun, the beans absorb the sweetness of the surrounding pulp; resulting in a cup bursting with complex flavours. The drying pulp produces the luscious bright flavours, heavy body and lingering sweetness.
Natural processing takes significant skill, care and effort. Cherries must be picked at the perfect state of ripeness to ensure consistency. The drying cherries must then be regularly rotated to deter fermentation and mold. When handled by those who are passionate about producing the very best cup; the results are phenomenal.
With over 20 years of experience under their belt, COMSA knows how to make a good cup and consistently strives to improve its fair trade organic offerings. In addition to caring about the quality of your cup, COMSA also cares about the wellbeing of its local communities.
Efrain Urquia (pictured at top) was chatting to Trade Aid’s Justin Purser recently. Efrain said “[Before joining COMSA] I was working for 2 lempiras (14c NZ) per day. I didn’t have anything - no house, nothing. Then, I took out a loan from COMSA to plant coffee. With their encouragement I also started planting other crops as well; corn, and bananas”. Efrain no longer has to travel looking for extra work. Efrain’s story demonstrates the importance of cooperatives like COMSA for the people in its region. COMSA’s expertise will help Efrain to develop as a coffee farmer, to have stable income, food security, and to be able to make a home for himself.
Drink gooder when you experience the delight of your Special Edition Honduras - but you can feel gooder too knowing the fairtrade organic cup you’re sipping has not only been lovingly curated, but is making a positive impact in the lives of its members.
Ana - and The Common Good Coffee team.
