Grown in the highlands of Chalatenango, El Salvador, Maria Benitez is a natural processed coffee that showcases the bold and expressive character of the Pacamara variety. Produced at Finca El Naranjo in the village of El Tunel, this coffee is the result of dedication, resilience, and family craftsmanship.
Maria Benitez runs the farm alongside her two sons, Douglas and Junior, balancing life between coffee production and a small grocery store that serves their local community. With over 20 years of experience in coffee, Maria has refined her skills through agricultural training, regional programs, and cupping education. After the passing of her husband, she took full responsibility for the farm, marking a turning point that led her to fully commit to specialty coffee.
In recent years, Maria has focused on cultivating Pacamara, a variety deeply connected to her region and one she takes great pride in. She has implemented improvements across the farm, from developing a seedling program to upgrading processing methods, all with the goal of achieving higher quality and consistency.
Cherries are carefully handpicked and processed using traditional natural methods. After harvesting, they undergo controlled fermentation before being dried on raised beds for 10 to 12 days under the sun. This slow, attentive drying process enhances the coffee’s depth and clarity, resulting in a cup that reflects both the richness of the land and Maria’s unwavering commitment to her craft.
