Tecapa-Chinameca

The Tecapa-Chinameca

region, located on the eastern side of El Salvador, is a significant contributor to the national coffee output and a producer of distinct, bold flavor profiles. This area has earned top scores in international competitions, highlighting its capacity for high-quality specialty coffee. 

1. Geography and Terroir

Location: Situated in eastern El Salvador, primarily within the departments of Usulután and San Miguel.

Volcanic Influence: The region is defined by the Sierra Tecapa-Chinameca volcanic mountain range, which includes major active volcanoes like Tecapa Volcano, Chaparrastique (San Miguel) Volcano, and features natural landmarks such as the turquoise-colored Laguna de Alegría Crater Lake.

Altitude: Coffee cultivation occurs at a wide range of elevations, from 500 to over 2,100 meters above sea level (MASL), which allows for diverse coffee grading from Central Standard to Strictly High Grown (SHG).

Soil and Climate: The rich volcanic soil, coupled with a natural microclimate influenced by the surrounding mountains and proximity to the ocean, creates ideal conditions for growing coffee with good body and high aroma. 

2. Production and Scale

Output: This region is the third-largest producer in the country, contributing approximately 12% of El Salvador’s total coffee-growing area.

Acreage: It covers around 15,705 hectares of coffee plantations.

Producer Profile: The region includes a mix of small farms and historical estates, such as Finca Los Pirineos and Finca La Alpina, many of which focus on sustainable, shade-grown practices.

Recognition: Coffee from this region has earned very high scores in the Cup of Excellence competition, including a top score of 94 points in 2006. 

3. Varietal Profile

Bourbon: The predominant variety, accounting for roughly 70% of the planted area. It is valued for its classic sweetness and balance.

Pacas: A significant portion (approx. 22%) is dedicated to the Pacas variety, a natural mutation of Bourbon discovered in El Salvador.

Others: A mix of other Arabica varieties is also grown, including Pacamara, Geisha, and modern disease-resistant options like Catimor and Catisic. 

4. Flavor and Processing

Classic Profile: Coffee from Tecapa-Chinameca is known for its bold, intense, and balanced flavor profile. Key tasting notes include:

Core: Deep dark chocolate, caramel, and brown sugar.

Accents: Citrus zest, mild fruits, and a pleasant, bright acidity.

Processing Trends: Both washed and natural processing methods are utilized. The rich body and high aroma make it a versatile bean that performs well as single-origin pour-overs or in espresso blends.