Day 21: Honduras, Strictly High Grown
Day 21 of the RISE Coffee Countdown Calendar - Honduras, Strictly High Grown
Origin: Honduras
Location: Antigua
Altitude: 1,400+ masl
Bean: Arabica
Varietals: Catuaí, Caturra, Pacas, Bourbon
Process: Washed
Certifications: Fair Trade
Tasting notes: Nutmeg, chocolate, toffee
Why Alice and Ben love it: This coffee is grown at the highest points in Honduras giving the coffee a delicious complex sweet flavour. You will notice a fruity fragrance, lively acidity and a velvety smooth finish.
About the coffee:
Honduras is an exceptional location for coffee cultivation, boasting fertile soil, a favourable climate, and ideal growing conditions similar to its neighbouring Central American countries. The country is renowned for producing a wide range of coffee qualities—from affordable Central American blender coffees (often found in supermarkets) to exquisite high-grown specialty lots that rival the finest offerings from more famous coffee-producing nations. Among these, Strictly High Grown (SHG) coffee stands out as a premium classification, celebrated for its exceptional complexity and flavour profile.
Strictly High Grown (SHG) coffee, also known as "Strictly Hard Bean (SHB)," refers to coffee cultivated at altitudes of 1,350 meters (4,430 feet) or higher. At these elevations, the cooler temperatures slow the maturation of the coffee cherries, allowing the beans to develop greater density and complexity. This slower growth results in a more desirable specialty cup, and is marked by vibrant acidity, nuanced flavour notes, and a refined sweetness. The SHG classification surpasses the High Grown (HG) grade, highlighting its superior quality.
To ensure consistent quality and maintain traceability, we have collaborated with a carefully selected network of producer organizations and cooperatives across Honduras to create this coffee. By working directly with local producers, we help preserve traditional farming practices while fostering sustainable livelihoods.
Additionally, Fair Trade premiums play a pivotal role in addressing the inequities of conventional trade, which can marginalise smallholder farmers. These premiums help to empower producers by improving their economic position, enabling them to invest in their farms, communities, and their future.
