El Salvador has high quality coffee

El Salvador produces some of the world's best gourmet arabica coffees, which are grown on volcanic soil at an altitude of over 1200 meters. Pacamara is one of these coffees, a one-of-a-kind variety that consistently wins awards at international competitions. Pacamara is a hybrid that produces large fruits with an intense aroma and a creamy texture. In terms of flavor, expect a blend of complex floral notes, citrusy acidity, and hints of chocolate and cinnamon.

Almost all of the coffee in El Salvador is grown in shade coffee plantations, which is why when you look over at a mountain, it looks divided, like a Belgian waffle. Arabica coffee is a small shrub that is grown under taller trees that provide shade to protect it from the hot sun.

The coffee harvest season begins in November and ends in March, with high-quality coffee harvested near the end. The coffee at Cooperativa Los Ausoles is sorted into bays based on quality and then processed separately. Unless it is Pacamara or another recognized awarded variety, the coffee loses its name once it is ready for export because the buyers use their own branding. This is one of the reasons to visit El Salvador.