Palestina Red Caturra #5064 Coffee – A Labor of Love from the Cajamarca Highlands

Geography of the Growing Region in Cajamarca

Palestina Red Caturra #5064 is a 2024 harvest lot from Finca La Palestina, located in San José del Alto, a district in Jaén Province, Cajamarca. Situated in the northwest of Jaén, San José del Alto is a mountainous region covering 90% of the landscape, featuring lush valleys and natural forests. Flanked by the Tabaconas and Cochalán river basins, this area possesses nearly all the ideal geographical and climatic conditions for high-quality coffee cultivation, though it remains highly dependent on seasonal rainfall.

San José del Alto exhibits climate variations based on altitude. The lower elevations, ranging from 500 to 900 meters above sea level (masl), experience warm temperatures averaging around 25°C. At altitudes above 1,500 masl, the climate is cooler, with temperatures between 18°C and 24°C and an annual rainfall average of 800 mm. Palestina Red Caturra #5064 is cultivated at Finca La Palestina, a small 3-hectare farm situated between 1,700 and 1,900 masl—an optimal ecological zone for Specialty Coffee varieties.

Cultivar of Palestina Red Caturra #5064

Palestina Red Caturra #5064 is grown from the Red Caturra variety, a natural mutation of Bourbon. This cultivar features a compact tree structure, higher productivity, and retains the distinctive flavor qualities of its lineage. Compared to traditional coffee varieties, Red Caturra thrives at high altitudes and in cool climates, which explains its robust development in elevated farms like Finca La Palestina.

Red Caturra is renowned for its bright and well-defined flavor profile. When fully ripe, its cherries turn a deep red, with thin skin and high sugar content, contributing to a complex flavor profile with natural sweetness, balanced acidity, and a clean, crisp aftertaste. Under the specific climatic conditions of San José del Alto, Red Caturra develops delicate and refined flavor nuances, offering a distinctive experience compared to the same cultivar grown in other regions.

Palestina Red Caturra #5064 did not simply pass the rigorous Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) quality standards by chance. Every bean represents the dedication and meticulous care of farmers and coffee workers.

Cultivation and Green Bean Processing at Finca La Palestina

The team at Finca La Palestina cultivates Palestina Red Caturra #5064 using sustainable farming methods. They leverage the natural conditions of the San José del Alto highlands to create a cultivation environment in harmony with the ecosystem. Previously an expansive grassland, the farm has been transformed into a multi-layered agroforestry system with native shade trees, maintaining soil moisture and providing ideal conditions for coffee growth.

Finca La Palestina completely avoids synthetic chemicals, instead utilizing organic fertilizers derived from agricultural and livestock byproducts. Their farming practices strike a balance between soil and water conservation while enhancing beneficial microorganisms, allowing coffee plants to absorb natural nutrients and grow healthily.

During harvest season, only perfectly ripe red cherries are meticulously handpicked to ensure maximum natural sugar content. Immediately after harvesting, the coffee undergoes the Washed (Wet) processing method. The cherries are depulped and mucilage is removed through mechanical friction and water, minimizing fermentation effects and preserving bean integrity. The beans are then washed and sun-dried until they reach the ideal moisture content.

Extremely Light Roasting at XLIII Coffee

After careful processing, the green beans of Palestina Red Caturra #5064 are transported to XLIII Coffee and roasted using a Giesen W6A machine.

To preserve the beans’ original flavors, this lot is roasted using an extremely light roast profile. This technique demands high precision and deep expertise in coffee roasting. A customized roast profile is meticulously monitored and adjusted by experienced roasters. The temperature is carefully controlled, remaining lower than conventional levels—just enough to develop the beans without triggering intense caramelization. This process retains all organic acids and natural aromatic compounds, resulting in a bright, clean, and nuanced cup of coffee.

Savoring a cup of Palestina Red Caturra #5064 is like capturing the essence of nature in a single moment. Its sweetness, acidity, and body are well-balanced and light, reminiscent of Specialty Coffees from the northwest of Jaén. Yet, its flavor profile stands out in its own distinctive way, offering a vibrant sensory experience with notes of red apple, apricot, and raspberry.

With a long sip, the intricate layers of Palestina Red Caturra #5064 unfold, weaving together and spreading waves of flavor across your palate. You might find yourself transported to the lush mountains of Cajamarca, feeling the breeze rustling through the trees, inhaling the crisp, fresh air, and immersing yourself in the pure essence of the land. The bright acidity of red apple bursts on your tongue—crisp and refreshing, like biting into a freshly picked fruit. Then, the gentle sweetness of apricot follows, soft and golden, reminiscent of sunlight stretching over rolling hills, carrying a delicate hint of honey from the minerals in the soil. Suddenly, a deep and intense raspberry note emerges—rich, lingering, and profoundly satisfying. The finish extends with clarity, allowing the natural sweetness to unfold gradually, making each sip even more captivating.

Palestina Red Caturra #5064 is more than just a flavor experience—it represents a deeper connection to transparency, fairness, and a commitment to sustainable development.

XLIII Coffee is honored to collaborate with Finca La Palestina on this journey to create genuine value. Through a direct partnership with the farm, XLIII Coffee ensures a purchase price of $15.44 per kilogram, a figure agreed upon through fair negotiation to provide farmers with a well-deserved income. This payment not only supports their livelihood but also enables them to reinvest in their farms, improving future harvests. With every sip of this coffee, you contribute to strengthening the farming community, helping them sustain and elevate the art of Specialty Coffee.

Beyond that, Palestina Red Caturra #5064 is a tribute to the artistry of specialty coffee—a cup that remains untouched by commercialization, preserving the pure essence of nature and human craftsmanship. Every time you experience it, you’re not just tasting an extraordinary coffee; you’re becoming part of a journey to uphold authenticity, transparency, and sustainability.

Conclusion

Palestina Red Caturra #5064 embodies the heart and soul of its origins. With each sip, you touch the dedication of farmers, the pristine beauty of Cajamarca, and XLIII Coffee’s unwavering commitment to a transparent and sustainable coffee industry. A single coffee bean carries an entire journey—and now, that journey is waiting for you to explore, taste, and experience a distant land right on your palate.

1. What makes Palestina Red Caturra #5064 special compared to other coffees?

This is a 2024 harvest lot from Finca La Palestina in Cajamarca, distinguished by its red apple, apricot, and raspberry flavor profile. Carefully processed and ultra-light roasted at XLIII Coffee, it retains the delicate, clean, and well-balanced characteristics of true Specialty Coffee.

2. Why does Palestina Red Caturra #5064 hold such high value?

Beyond its exceptional quality, this lot represents transparency and fairness in trade. XLIII Coffee purchases it directly from the producer at $15.44 per kilogram, ensuring farmers receive a sustainable income, allowing them to reinvest in their farms and improve future crops.

3. How can I best enjoy Palestina Red Caturra #5064?

Pour-over methods like V60, Origami, and Kalita are ideal for fully experiencing its layered flavors. Try savoring each sip at different temperatures, from hot to cool, to appreciate the evolving taste profile.

4. What makes the origin and cultivation of Palestina Red Caturra #5064 unique?

Grown at an optimal altitude in Finca La Palestina, the cool climate allows the coffee cherries to develop slowly, absorbing more nutrients for a richer flavor. The farm follows sustainable farming practices, preserving the ecosystem and maintaining soil quality.

5. Why is choosing Palestina Red Caturra #5064 a worthwhile decision?

By choosing this coffee, you not only enjoy a unique flavor experience but also support sustainable development in the Specialty Coffee industry—from farmers to roasters to brewers.