Overview

The name El Cashal comes from a variety of trees that grows in the farm. It is located in Ahuachapán in the western part of El Salvador. Serving as a cradle to both lagoons, “Las Ninfas” and “Laguna Verde”, nested between both bodies you find “El Cashal”. Her owner, 4th generation coffee grower Maria Alicia Castillo, tells us the story about the farm back when it was only scarcely planted in the 1940´s and how her father in law José Ruben Magaña Guerrero together with the farm manager transformed the bramble patch into a beautiful coffee garden. Now her husband José Ruben Magaña Romero is in charge and the whole family want to dedicate winning COE this year to their beloved “Papá Pin”.

The winning lot for this year was strictly picked and only the best cherries in the farm were selected. Having two varietals in the farm, Bourbon and Pacas, they decided to only pick bourbon only for the competition.

It is very rewarding for them to have won COE, because this reassures that they have “excellent quality coffee” – says Maria Alicia. They were worried when the volcano erupted due to a potential damage caused by hot ashes, but fortunately the farm spared the damage.

They believe in coming back next year because they still think they can have a better place next year improving some cultural practices, however, they are also looking for a long term relationship with a buyer how’s willing to work hand by hand to promote high quality coffees. They are looking forward to invest in replanting more Bourbon coffee and hope with this year profits being able to help their workers even more.

Other Statistics

Average Annual Rainfall: 2,257 mm
Average Temperature: 22 ºC
Type of Soil: Volcanic, sandy loam
Type of Shade: Ingas, cashal, mescal, aguacate, copalchi, etc.
Mill and company where lot was process: Cooperativa Cuzcachapa

Latitude: N 13º 53' 01.9" Longitude: W 89º 47' 45.4"