Concept – Colombia – Banana Swirl – Nestor Lasso & Jhon Vergara

Description

The Peñas Blancas Coffee Processing Center in Acevedo, Huila, is more than just a coffee facility—it is a transformative social project dedicated to improving the livelihoods of local coffee farmers. Designed to provide equitable access to high-quality coffee processing, Peñas Blancas empowers small-scale producers by offering state-of-the-art infrastructure, technical training, and fair compensation for their work. This initiative is the result of a collective effort to create a sustainable and inclusive coffee industry in the region. Many of the producers who bring their coffee to Peñas Blancas previously faced significant barriers, such as lack of access to modern processing methods, inconsistent quality control, and limited market opportunities. By centralizing processing under expert supervision, the facility ensures that every lot meets the highest specialty standards, helping farmers secure better prices and long-term economic stability.

The “Palatino” Process
While “Natural” refers to the dry processing of the coffee cherry, the “Palatino” designation (often seen in Huila lots) typically refers to a Pitalito-style selection or a specific regional profile originating from the Pitalito/Acevedo corridor. In the context of Nestor Lasso’s experimental methods, this natural process often involves:Extended Fermentation: The cherries undergo a controlled anaerobic fermentation phase before being dried. Slow Drying: Dried on raised beds or in mechanical silos with strict temperature controls to preserve the delicate fruit acids.