ROAD TRIP - Amacueca Coffee Run Dec 2009

While exploring the backside of Cerro Garcia

and all the little towns around there,

we decided since we were half way there

we would make a run for Amacueca

where I could replenish my favorite coffee.

I love this town,

everything about it,

from the smiling friendly people

to the cleanliness and attractiveness of it all.

But most of all. . .I love their coffee!

Apparently it is a co-op affair.

The coffee is actually grown all over the place;

in a small grove a short hike from the church,

alongside the bridge on the main road into town,

and in individual family gardens as well.

We were told that the roaster belongs to an individual,

and there is only one in town.

I buy coffee from the Tienda La Canasta on the main road into town.

Once you enter the town and follow the road to the left,

you go up a little rise in the road,

then it will appear on the right.

Here is what to look for. . .

The nice woman who owns the tienda will measure out

exactly how much you want from a large bag of

freshly roasted beans.

You can get it ground or whole bean.

Then she takes it over to the scale to weigh

and package.

 

Now here comes the cool part.

No expensive Seal-A-Meal machines,

no expensive special Seal-A-Meal bags

for her.

She simply lights the candle that is melted on the counter,

folds over the top,

and runs the top along the flame

to seal it perfectly.

Stroke of genius. 

 

And there you have it!

A kilo of authentic, organic, Amacueca coffee.

Here is one of the places where the coffee is grown.

The little red dots are ripe beans ready to be picked.

The green dots are the immature beans.

Click on picture to enlarge and see the beans.

Here is the Amacueca main plaza.

This beautiful church has been going through an

extensive renovation.

According to the workmen,

the project should be done in February 2010.

Travel Tip:

There is a really good down-home Mexican food

restaurant across the street from the coffee tienda

and down the hill a few doors.

The name is Restaurante Cuca

and Cuca can really cook!

Several workmen had recommended this place to eat, 

but we knew we had made a good decision when we swung the

screen door open and 2 men looked up from their comida

to say "You've come to the right place!"

¡Buen provecho! 

Shopping Tip:

They also grow nuez (pecans) in Amacueca

and make Rompope - a Mexican eggnog-like drink .

The Nuez Rompope is to die for. . .

as they say.

Given the ingredients. . .it's probably true.

¡Buen Viaje!

Happy Trails!