Description

In western Honduras, where ancient Mayan ruins whisper tales of past glory, a revolutionary approach to coffee cultivation is taking shape. Named after K’ahk’ Uti’ Witz’ K’awiil (18 Rabbit), the 13th ruler of Copán who led the dynasty through its golden age, this natural processed microlot represents both cultural heritage and agricultural innovation.

Flhor Zelaya Ontreras began her journey in coffee at age five with a small organic farm. Today, she leads an all-female cooperative that’s transforming coffee production through biodynamic certification – a rigorous standard requiring farms to function as self-sustaining ecosystems. This approach goes beyond organic practices to actively regenerate soil health and promote biodiversity.

Through partnership with Cafe Kreyol and Cafe Femenino, the cooperative has launched an entrepreneur program for indigenous women in the mountains. Their success demonstrates how specialty coffee can create economic opportunities while preserving traditional farming methods. Members earn more than 300% above Fair Trade minimums, proving that environmental stewardship and social equity can coexist with premium quality.

The natural processing method, where coffee cherries dry with their fruit intact, demands exceptional attention to detail. Through careful monitoring of fermentation and drying, these beans develop subtle fruit-forward characteristics with wine-like complexity. Our medium roast profile, achieved through solar-powered roasting, brings out a rich chocolate balance while tempering the natural acidity, creating an approachable yet complex cup.

Honduras’s coffee sector, representing 30% of agricultural GDP, is rapidly evolving from volume production to specialty excellence. Flhor’s cooperative exemplifies this transformation, showing how traditional knowledge and innovative techniques can create extraordinary coffee while protecting cultural and natural resources. Each batch supports both sustainable farming practices and economic empowerment for indigenous women coffee farmers.