MEXICO SIERRA MAGICA Washed Typica, Bourbon, Caturra and Marsellesa

The Sierra Mágica is located in the northern part of the state of Puebla, an area known for its magical places, diverse wild flora and fauna, and impressive natural beauty. The city of Zapotitlán de Méndez lies at the heart of these mountains. This unique town is the most significant in the state and hosts two cultures: Totonac and Nahuatl, separated by the Zempoala River. This river is dreamlike, with waterfalls cascading from the highest canyon peaks, and it flows throughout the area, serving as a vital water resource.

Zapotitlán de Méndez is situated along a route that includes a series of beautiful towns crossing the Sierra Norte: Pahuatlan, Zacatlán, Zongosotla, and Ignacio Zaragoza. Many years ago, the town was founded due to the displacement of a Totonac group caused by territorial disputes and overpopulation. They moved along the banks of the Zempoala River, seeking a place to settle, unaware that they had entered Nahuatl territory.

In the Sierra Norte, where the coffee of Sierra Mágica is grown today, sugar cane, bananas, and avocados are cultivated for local consumption, and ornamental plants are grown in greenhouses for sale. The soil is volcanic and rich in minerals.

Producers focus on harvesting cherries at their optimum ripeness, floating day lots in plastic tanks to remove lower-density cherries, and fermentation can last up to 18 hours on average. The drying method is mainly carried out on concrete patios and raised beds as producers continue improving the available infrastructure. In this area, coffee grows under shade, and it is possible to find ingas, pines, cedars, oaks, and liquidambar trees as part of the agroforestry system. Coffee is grown at 1100 MASL, with the following varietal distribution: Typica 30%, Bourbon 40%, Caturra 20%, and Marsellesa 10%.