Finca Los Guayabos, from Gaitania, Tolima
19 August, 2026
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Las Perlitas Aruzy from Huila, Colombia
In Spanish, Las Perlitas means “Little Pearls” and throughout the harvest, it’s quite common that smallholders in Colombia produce lots that aren’t large enough to be exported on their own. However, the quality is often just as good (or better) than samples received from larger lots, and as such, we buy all coffees. This version of Las Perlitas highlights the exotic Bourbon Aruzy variety from the South and Central Regions of Huila.
Behind this lot lies the fruit of the labor of five amazing producers from La Plata, Huila, with their farms averaging 1,800 m.a.s.l. in elevation and 2 Ha in size. They all start by carefully selecting and handpicking the ripest cherries and all of them supported by their families throughout the entire process. The cherries are then de-pulped and placed to ferment on the same day, then left in sealed barrels for 36–40 hours before being washed in eco-mills to reduce water usage. The parchment is then laid to dry in marquesinas for 15 to 18 days, depending on the weather.
Pearls of Delicious Goodness
Las Perlitas is a clear example of how we can help smallholder farmers receive fair payment for their quality. Our selection procedure is very strict, and we use the same standard for each micro or communal lot. Every small lot is individually cupped multiple times before being included in the main lot. In addition to cup quality, each coffee must meet strict physical requirements based on our guidelines for moisture content and water activity.
The first time a lot is cupped is when the producer brings a sample to our buying station. Once approved, the producer will then bring the lot to the warehouse where it will be cupped again, taking a sample from each sack to ensure consistency. After final approval, the parchment coffee is packed in Grain-pro bags and remains untouched until the entire lot is milled in Medellín.
The Coffee Quest believes in ever-improving quality at the farm level, and it is only natural for us to exalt those who, with great passion and perseverance, achieve micro-lot quality coffee. The idea of Las Perlitas was born from this train of thought.
This is an exciting new variety being planted in Huila and are thrilled to build partnerships with these forward-thinking producers!
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.
Ask for Samples Today!
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