ADOUT
Fazenda California is an iconic farm in the state of Paraná, managed by Luiz Saldanha. The name harks back to the 19th-century gold rush: gold was once mined on these lands, but today they mine "green gold" — premium specialty coffee.
Luiz Saldanha is a bright representative of a new generation of Brazilian farmers. He has abandoned outdated methods in favor of high technology and deep respect for nature. An important part of this philosophy is the implementation of biodynamic farming methods: the Saldanha family has completely abandoned the use of chemicals, focusing on natural composts, closing the nutrient cycle, and natural soil restoration. The farm is located on the Tropic of Capricorn (which gave the Capricornio project its name) at an altitude of about 1100–1200 meters. Thanks to the cool microclimate of northern Paraná, the coffee cherries ripen slowly, accumulating high density and maximum natural sugars.
For this Competition Lot, unique Brazilian varieties were selected: IPR 107 (Blue Pearl) and Obatã. Blue Pearl is a modern selection distinguished by its exceptional sweetness and disease resistance, while Obatã is a hybrid with outstanding bean density. The farm is equipped with a modern laboratory and climate-controlled drying chambers. Luiz uses the "chef-picking" method — hand-harvesting only perfectly ripe cherries, which then undergo pre-fermentation and slow drying. This unlocks the bean's potential, transforming the classic Brazilian base into a complex, dessert-like cup.
Photo from: globalfarmernetwork.org, roestlabor.coffee, thissideup.coffee