Finca Los Guayabos, from Gaitania, Tolima
19 August, 2026
Cascara from Finca Alcatraz, Huila, Colombia
Wilfredo Ule Vargas and his family run Finca Alcatraz in Oparapa, Huila. The farm specializes in producing high-quality cascara, the pulped coffee cherry. With 7 hectares dedicated to coffee cultivation, reaching up to 1860 meters above sea level, they ensure top-notch coffee.
During harvest, Wilfredo selectively picks only mature cherries. The pulped cherry husks are swiftly moved to African raised beds and then to marquesinas (typical Colombian greenhouses) for protected drying. Both the coffee beans and the cascara undergo a manual cleaning process using a sieve. Wilfredo evaluates the results through cupping and adjusts the post-harvest processing accordingly.
Finca Alcatraz focuses on four coffee varieties and this cascara is a blend of them: Typica, Red Bourbon, Geisha, and Caturra. The coffee trees grow in loam soil known as franco arenoso, with a composition of 45% sand, 40% silt, and 15% clay. Wilfredo’s precise farming practices and optimal variety selection contribute to the exceptional quality of his coffee beans.
A Unique Beverage
Cascara, also known as coffee cherry tea, is a unique beverage with a taste that differs from coffee. It can be enjoyed as a tea infusion or used as a base for products like fruity energizing soda ( >25% caffeine) or coffee flour for baking.
Wilfredo has been involved in coffee production for over 15 years, dedicating the last seven years to producing high-quality coffees. Alongside his wife Yubely Trujillo and their two children, Juan Camilo and Juan de Jesus, they live and work on the farm.
At Finca Alcatraz, Wilfredo’s family shares a coffee story of passion and expertise. Their focus on producing exceptional cascara highlights their dedication to delivering unique and high-quality products.
The farm has a laboratory for cupping and a good system to transport and deliver the coffee, which is correctly packed to prevent any kind of damage. By doing this, they guarantee a hygienic process as well, in which both coffee and cascara are treated in the best way possible. Moreover, of the total hectares around the Finca Alcatraz, at least 2.5 hectares are intended for a nature reserve with forest area.
Coffee With Added Value
At The Coffee Quest, transparency is key—If you have any questions regarding our coffees, do not hesitate to reach out! We also encourage you to review our Impact Report for an in-depth look at our sustainable sourcing practices and projects.
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While you are still here, check out our other coffees!
Finca La Granja, from Santa María, Huila
18 August, 2026
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Belancan N2 Anaerobic Natural, from Kintamani, Bali
15 August, 2026