Peru, Cusco; Hurtado Castro Gaspar; Valle Inca Cooperative; Red Fox Coffee Merchants (Copy)
Department: Cusco
Province: Calca
District: Yanatile
Community: Walla
Farm: Acsa
Producer: Hurtado Castro Gaspar
Cooperative: Valle Inca
Altitude: 1900 masl
Variety: Typica
Process: Washed
Harvest Period: June - September
Flavor Notes: Lemon, Chocolate, Green Apple
This is our second Peruvian coffee from the Valle Inca Cooperative in Cusco. Hurtado Castro Gaspar produces this particular washed coffee that is of the typica varietal at an elevation of 1,900 meters. Manuel is a part of the newly formalized Valle Inca Cooperative that is located in the Yanatile Valley. This cooperative is relatively new with 101 members and is quickly growing.
Valle Inca is led by Prudencio Vargas Saenz, a former agricultural loan officer. The knowledge he has from his previous work has greatly impacted how he operates Valle Inca. This cooperative was an informal group for many years, until this year when it was incorporated in order to gain organic certification, FairTrade certification, and the ability to export on its own. Valle Inca and Prudencio are well respected in the Calca province, due to Prudencio’s trustworthiness, dedication, and drive to invest in his community. He pays higher prices to his farmers to promote their stability, improving the health of the overall community and in doing so the coffee produced in these areas are almost always of a high quality. Due to the leadership of Prudencio, the value of this relationship he has with the producers shines through in each cup. Valle Inca produces consistently exceptional coffees that can satisfy the taste buds of a specialty coffee professional while still being approachable enough for the everyday coffee drinker.
Peru, Cusco; Manuel Patilla Carrasco; Valle Inca Cooperative; Red Fox Coffee Merchants
Department: Cusco
Province: Calca
District: Yanatile
Community & Farm: Chaquimayo
Producer: Manuel Patilla Carrasco
Cooperative: Valle Inca
Altitude: 2100 masl
Variety: Typica & Caturra
Process: Washed
Flavor Notes: Toasted almond, Cocoa, Orange
Manuel Patilla Carrasco has been producing coffee for 18 years, over half of his lifetime, on his family’s farm called Chaquimayo. He produces this particular washed coffee that is of the typica & caturra varieties at an elevation of 2,100 meters. Manuel is a part of the newly formalized Valle Inca Cooperative that is located in the Yanatile Valley. This cooperative currently has 101 members and is quickly growing.
Valle Inca is led by Prudencio Vargas Saenz, a former agricultural loan officer. The knowledge he has from his previous work has greatly impacted how he operates Valle Inca. This cooperative was an informal group for many years, until this year when it was incorporated in order to gain organic certification, FairTrade certification, and the ability to export on its own. Valle Inca and Prudencio are well respected in the Calca province, due to Prudencio’s trustworthiness, dedication, and drive to invest in his community. He pays higher prices to his farmers to promote their stability, improving the health of the overall community and in doing so the coffee produced in these areas are almost always of a high quality. Due to the leadership of Prudencio, the value of this relationship he has with the producers shines through in each cup. Valle Inca produces consistently exceptional coffees that can satisfy the taste buds of a specialty coffee professional while still being approachable enough for the everyday coffee drinker.
Staff Spotlight: Ellen O'Donnell
What is your favorite menu item?
My fav drink is an oatmilk cappuccino. Love it early in the morning when the cafe dark and quiet and I’m prepping for opening. I also love sharing a Chemex using the Honduras beans
What customers do you miss seeing the most?
I miss our customers and reciprocity of bringing smiles to each other’s faces. I for sure miss one of my favs whose amazing personality and genuineness always brings me happiness- Michaela! happy birthday - thanks for being you!!
What have you been doing with your time?
I’ve been in Peru for 3 weeks. I spent time in Lima with gorgeous ocean views , beaches and sunsets. Then on to Cusco and the small villages of Urubamba and then by train onto Aqua Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. Breathtaking hikes and scenery!!
To curb the virus, the government shut its borders and we have been awaiting a joint governmental flight back home!! Did not get to see as much of Peru as I had hoped but looking forward to returning again for sure!