When you think of Puerto Rico, coffee might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, Puerto Rican coffee has a long and storied history, dating back to the 18th century when Spanish colonizers brought coffee plants to the island. Today, Puerto Rican coffee is known for its unique flavor profile and the high quality of the beans produced. In this blog post, we'll take a journey through Puerto Rico's coffee fields and explore the process of turning coffee beans into your favorite beverage.

Hacienda Iluminada, A Coffee Farm in Puerto Rico

The journey begins at our family-owned coffee farm located in the central mountains of Puerto Rico in Maricao, Puerto Rico. Hacienda Iluminada’s location provides an ideal climate and soil conditions for growing coffee, resulting in some of the best coffee beans in the world and in Puerto Rico’s Finest Coffee.

Upon arriving at the farm, you will enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, which create a lush and verdant landscape. Always greeted by the farmers and neighbors, who began our tour by explaining the different varieties of coffee grown on the farm and their unique characteristics that make it one of the worlds’ best coffees.

Harvesting and Processing

After walking and learning about the coffee plants, we will continue our journey to the harvesting process. Coffee is typically harvested between October and February, with each tree yielding about 20 pounds of fruit per year. Strips of fabric are attached to each branch to catch the ripe coffee cherries as they fall.

Once the coffee cherries are harvested, they undergo a sorting process to separate the ripe cherries from the unripe ones. The ripe cherries are then washed, pulped, and left to ferment for a period of time, which allows the flavor of the beans to mature.

After fermentation, the coffee beans are spread out to dry in the sun for several days. The drying process is crucial to the coffee's flavor, as it allows the green beans to turn into the distinct brown color we associate with coffee.

Roasting and Brewing

Once the coffee beans have dried, they are ready to be roasted. Roasting coffee is a complex process that involves carefully controlling temperature and time to bring out the beans' unique flavors. The resulting roasted beans are then packaged and shipped to coffee shops and stores around the world. At Hacienda Iluminada, home of 787 Coffee, we are pushing to bring diversity to the agriculture, coffee world by having a female roaster.

Of course, the journey isn't complete until you enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee. We like to invite our guest to trying espresso based drinks grown right in the location where our guests are starting.

The coffee we grow has a rich and full-bodied flavor with notes of dark chocolate and a hint of citrus. It is a truly delightful experience to taste the fruit of the farm's labor and to realize the journey from sunshine to sip.

Conclusion

Puerto Rico's coffee industry is a hidden gem that more people should know about. From stunning landscapes to rich, flavorful beans, there is much to discover on a journey through the island's coffee fields. Whether you're a coffee lover or simply appreciate quality and craftsmanship, Puerto Rican coffee is a must-try. So, the next time you sit down with your favorite cup of coffee, take a moment to think about the journey it went through, from sunshine to sip.

YOU are always welcome at Hacienda Iluminada, for a cup of coffee or simply to reconnect by enjoying the beautiful mountains, life, animals, sounds, and the beautiful smiles our co-workers have to offer.