El Jardin Farm – Armadillo Coffee

El Jardin

Nestled in the mountains far from city lights, it sits at 5,413 ft MSL (1,650 meters). Abundant water sources, diverse wildlife, and the perfect balance of sunshine and fog create ideal conditions for coffee plants to produce delicious specialty beans.

Gomez Plata

“El Jardin” is a tropical forest farm located in Gomez Plata, Antioquia – Colombia. Gomez Plata is a picturesque town surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The town exudes a charming, traditional atmosphere, featuring colorful colonial-style architecture and narrow streets lined with quaint houses. Gomez Plata is known for its warm and welcoming community, where locals preserve their cultural traditions and heritage.

Coffee with a View

A spectacular view from “El Jardin” farm

A Family Business

This green and abundant land that gives so much life has been Ignacio’s entire life. He has known these mountains and valleys since he was born, and he has been loving and learning how to grow coffee since he was just a toddler. This craft that he excels at was passed on to him by his father; it is one that he is also passing down to his son Cristian, who is now a master on his own, and who will soon be passing it down to his kids as well.
Using artisanal methods and his many years of expertise, Ignacio knows how to grow specialty coffee and the importance of the environment around them.

El Jardin = The Garden

There is no questioning where the name “The Garden” comes from. Of all the farms we have visited, this one is probably the one with the largest diversity of plants and fruits.

He cares for all life the way he cares for his coffee, so it is only natural that everything thrives.

Plantains

Plantains are larger, starchier bananas that are a staple food in tropical regions. They have a thick peel that turns yellow or black when ripe. They can be cooked in various ways and are used in both savory and sweet dishes. When ripe, they have a sweet flavor and soft texture. Plantains are nutritious, providing carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals

Berries

Colombian berries, also known as “moras,” encompass a variety of small fruits that thrive in the country’s diverse climates. These berries come in a range of vibrant colors, including red, black, and purple, and offer a delightful burst of flavor. Known for their natural sweetness and tanginess, Colombian berries are prized for their juiciness and unique taste. They are often enjoyed fresh or used as key ingredients in desserts, jams, and beverages.

Sapote

Sapote fruit is a tropical delicacy with a distinctive appearance and luscious flavor. Native to Central and South America, this fruit comes in various varieties, such as black sapote, mamey sapote, and white sapote. With its smooth, leathery skin and creamy flesh, the sapote fruit offers a delightful combination of sweetness and richness. Its flavor profile can range from hints of chocolate and caramel to tropical notes reminiscent of mango or peach.

The Formula for Producing Specialty Coffee

With dedication and care, Ignacio produces plump flavorful beans that make delicious coffee, but he doesn’t stop there. He constantly learns and further highlights his premium beans through different processing methods, like honey and natural.

Warmth and Kindness

This beautiful garden, the fruits, and the high-quality coffee are a reflection of the care and dedication that Ignacio and his wife, Marina, put into everything they do.

To know Ignacio and his wife is to know warmth and kindness.

El Jardin Up Close

Raised coffee drying beds

Raised coffee drying beds play a vital role in the production of honey and natural processed beans, as they provide crucial air circulation that helps prevent the beans from going bad. These beds are indispensable in ensuring the quality and integrity of the beans during the drying process.

Mules, the heavy lifters of the coffee farms

Similar to many Colombian coffee farms, El Jardin cultivates coffee trees on steep slopes, and the harvested fruits can be incredibly heavy. This is where the remarkable strength of mules comes into play. These animals assist the chapoleros in transporting the fruits to the farm for processing, showcasing their impressive hauling abilities.

Coffee pickers (aka. Chapoleros)

To ensure a flavorful cup of coffee, it is essential for coffee pickers to selectively harvest only the ripe fruits while leaving the unripe ones on the tree. Failing to do so can result in underdeveloped flavors that may negatively impact the overall quality of the brew.

Mucilage, the key ingredients for honey processed beans

In this picture, Miguel is displaying the coffee beans with the mucilage still intact after depulping. The mucilage is a crucial element for creating honey processed beans.