picture showing the drying beds where the specialty coffee from El Jardin farms is produced for Hatillo Coffee

El Jardin

Nestled in the mountains far from city lights, it sits at 5,413 ft MSL (1,650 meters). Abundant water sources, diverse wildlife, and the perfect balance of sunshine and fog create ideal conditions for coffee plants to produce delicious specialty beans.

Photograph of the impressive church in the Main Square of Gómez Plata, Antioquia

Gomez Plata

“El Jardin” is a tropical forest farm located in Gomez Plata, Antioquia – Colombia. Gomez Plata is a picturesque town surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The town exudes a charming, traditional atmosphere, featuring colorful colonial-style architecture and narrow streets lined with quaint houses. Gomez Plata is known for its warm and welcoming community, where locals preserve their cultural traditions and heritage. 

Scenic view of El Jardín Farm's landscape with coffee trees and banana plants in perfect harmony

Coffee with a View

A spectacular view from “El Jardin” farm

A Family Business

This green and abundant land that gives so much life has been Ignacio’s entire life. He has known these mountains and valleys since he was born, and he has been loving and learning how to grow coffee since he was just a toddler. This craft that he excels at was passed on to him by his father; it is one that he is also passing down to his son Cristian, who is now a master on his own, and who will soon be passing it down to his kids as well.
Using artisanal methods and his many years of expertise, Ignacio knows how to grow specialty coffee and the importance of the environment around them.

picture showing Jose Ignacio Perez, one of Hatillo Coffee's specialty coffee farmers who owns a farm called "El Jardin," standing in front of a coffee drying bed full of beans
Jose Ignacio Perez in his "El Jardin" farm
picture showing from left to right: Miguel Echeverri, Hatillo Coffee co-founder, Cristian Perez, El Jardin farm specialty coffee farmer, and Jaime Rodriguez, Hatillo Coffee CEO, standing surrounded of coffee trees near Gomez Plata, Antioquia - Colombia
Miguel, Cristian, and Jaime at "El Jardin" farm
picture of Jose Ignacio Perez, Hatillo Coffee's specialty colombia coffee farmer from Gomez Plata, Antioquia - Colombia, standing on his El Jardin farm surrounded by coffee trees
Ignacio in the coffee fields

El Jardin = The Garden

There is no questioning where the name “The Garden” comes from. Of all the farms we have visited, this one is probably the one with the largest diversity of plants and fruits.

He cares for all life the way he cares for his coffee, so it is only natural that everything thrives.

Plantains

Photograph of a beautiful cluster of plantains growing at El Jardín Farm

Plantains are larger, starchier bananas that are a staple food in tropical regions. They have a thick peel that turns yellow or black when ripe. They can be cooked in various ways and are used in both savory and sweet dishes. When ripe, they have a sweet flavor and soft texture. Plantains are nutritious, providing carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals

Berries

Photograph of a juicy cluster of blackberries at El Jardín Farm, showcasing the lush nature in Gómez Plata, Antioquia

Colombian berries, also known as “moras,” encompass a variety of small fruits that thrive in the country’s diverse climates. These berries come in a range of vibrant colors, including red, black, and purple, and offer a delightful burst of flavor. Known for their natural sweetness and tanginess, Colombian berries are prized for their juiciness and unique taste. They are often enjoyed fresh or used as key ingredients in desserts, jams, and beverages.

Sapote

picture showing colombian sapote fruits on the tree in hatillo coffee el jardin farm

Sapote fruit is a tropical delicacy with a distinctive appearance and luscious flavor. Native to Central and South America, this fruit comes in various varieties, such as black sapote, mamey sapote, and white sapote. With its smooth, leathery skin and creamy flesh, the sapote fruit offers a delightful combination of sweetness and richness. Its flavor profile can range from hints of chocolate and caramel to tropical notes reminiscent of mango or peach.

picture showing a cow and a calf at hatillo coffee's el jardin farm with specialty coffee drying beds in the background
The Origin of Latte

The Formula for Producing Specialty Coffee

With dedication and care, Ignacio produces plump flavorful beans that make delicious coffee, but he doesn’t stop there. He constantly learns and further highlights his premium beans through different processing methods, like honey and natural.

Warmth and Kindness

This beautiful garden, the fruits, and the high-quality coffee are a reflection of the care and dedication that Ignacio and his wife, Marina, put into everything they do.

To know Ignacio and his wife is to know warmth and kindness.

picture showing Cristian Perez and his two dogs at Hatillo Coffee El Jardin farm
Cristian and his loyal dogs
Photograph of an impressive hanging floral arrangement constructed from repurposed motorcycle oil bottles at El Jardín Farm
Sustainable Decor

El Jardin Up Close

Raised coffee drying beds

Raised coffee drying beds play a vital role in the production of honey and natural processed beans, as they provide crucial air circulation that helps prevent the beans from going bad. These beds are indispensable in ensuring the quality and integrity of the beans during the drying process.

picture showing colombian sapote fruits on the tree in hatillo coffee el jardin farm

Mules, the heavy lifters of the coffee farms

Similar to many Colombian coffee farms, El Jardin cultivates coffee trees on steep slopes, and the harvested fruits can be incredibly heavy. This is where the remarkable strength of mules comes into play. These animals assist the chapoleros in transporting the fruits to the farm for processing, showcasing their impressive hauling abilities.

The mule at El Jardín Farm, waiting to be loaded with coffee fruits by the chapoleros

Coffee pickers (aka. Chapoleros)

To ensure a flavorful cup of coffee, it is essential for coffee pickers to selectively harvest only the ripe fruits while leaving the unripe ones on the tree. Failing to do so can result in underdeveloped flavors that may negatively impact the overall quality of the brew.

mage of a chapolera at El Jardín Farm picking ripe coffee fruits

Mucilage, the key ingredients for honey processed beans

In this picture, Miguel is displaying the coffee beans with the mucilage still intact after depulping. The mucilage is a crucial element for creating honey processed beans.

picture showing Miguel Echeverri at Hatillo Coffee El jardin farm showing specialty coffee beans covered with mucilage ready for honey fermentation