Marañón
Source: Association of Producers
Region: North Amazon mountains
Department: Cajamarca
Elevation: 900-1300m
Yearly Rainfall: ~1800mm (71 inches)
Genetics: Native Marañón and Cajamarca-Amazonas (Fortunato No. 4, Marañón 54, and others)
Harvest Season: May - Aug (major); Nov - Dec (minor)
Tasting Notes: Complex fruity/floral/herbal; with mild nut and brownie notes.
Fermentation Style: 6-7 days in wooden boxes; daily bean rotation after first 2 days.
Drying Style: 4-5 days in mounds; 2-4 days on covered tarps or drying mesh racks.
Native to the north Amazonian mountains, between the Cajamarca and Amazonas departments, these unique beans grow at an elevation of 900–1300m in the valleys of the Marañón river—a place protected by steep canyon walls that have kept it isolated from genetic influences for millennia. For years we have worked closely with the Association of Producers El Huarango to share these gems with the world.
Made up of many different Native Marañón and Cajamarca-Amazonas varieties, including the highly-coveted Fortunato No. 4, this bean origin is accepted by many as one of the earliest from which numerous modern varieties are derived and expresses a truly unique complexity of fruity, floral, herbal, and mild nut and brownie notes. Even more uniquely, some Marañón varieties have pods with about 40% white beans—something
Dr. Lyndel Meinherdt, Lead Researcher of the USDA Agricultural Research Service, described as “an unprecedented discovery”.
It has even been the subject of an Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown episode where he and world-renowned chef, Eric Ripert, venture to Peru in search of what has been dubbed the "best" cacao in the world. Season 1, Episode 7, in case you were wondering. It’s our favourite episode…obviously.
We could tell you more, but we think you probably get the picture.
5kg boxes available in our shop. For any other volumes please contact us.