Making an Impact - Sustainability Efforts at Hacienda Iluminada | 787 Coffee, Puerto Rico

---

Learn about the amazing sustainability practices undertaken by Hacienda Iluminada Coffee Farm, located in Maricao, Puerto Rico and discover how our efforts are making an impact in coffee and in conservation!

When we think of sustainability, we often think of reducing waste or conserving energy. What we don't often consider is the impact of our daily consumption habits, such as coffee. The coffee industry is notoriously harmful to both the environment and the communities where it is grown. That's why it's refreshing to see how this is changing and that our farm, Hacienda Iluminada is taking sustainability seriously. In this blog post, we'll dive into the efforts made at Hacienda Iluminada to promote sustainability and reduce their environmental impact.

---

---

Hacienda Iluminada takes a holistic approach to sustainability, focusing on not just environmental impact but also social and economic impact. For example, we invested in Maricao because the community had a need, it was the highest unemployed town in Puerto Rico. We have invested in local infrastructure such as roads and water systems to improve the quality of life in the community. We also prioritize ethical treatment of our co-workers, offering fair wages, benefits, and safe working conditions while stimulating personal growth, project ownership and professional development.

Secondly, Hacienda Iluminada uses sustainable agriculture methods such as agroforestry and organic practices to reduce the use of harmful chemicals and protect biodiversity. We also prioritize preserving natural resources like soil and water. By using organic practices, they avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers and harmful pesticides. Machetes over chemicals. Shade grown coffee trees and the use of our spring water to water our trees.

Thirdly, Hacienda Iluminada has implemented a waste reduction plan, which includes composting organic waste and recycling packaging materials. This helps the farm reduce its carbon footprint and avoid contributing to the growing issue of plastic waste. Less plastic… by Reducing, Reusing and recycling.

---

---

Fourthly, Hacienda Iluminada is committed to promoting sustainable practices beyond their farm. We have partnered with a few educational programs to local schools and communities to promote sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. We also collaborate with other coffee farms to share best practices and further promote sustainability in the industry.

Lastly, at Hacienda Iluminada we recognize that sustainability is an ongoing process and is committed to continuous improvement. We regularly assess our practices here and at our 787 coffee shops as we look for ways to improve, both in terms of environmental impact and social and economic impact.

Sustainability is a global issue that requires everyone to take action, from individuals to large corporations. Farms like Hacienda Iluminada are leading by example, showing that it is possible to prioritize sustainability in the coffee industry. By investing in the community and prioritizing sustainable agriculture and waste reduction, Hacienda Iluminada is reducing their environmental impact while also improving the lives of those around them. It's inspiring to see farms like this taking strides towards a more sustainable future, and we can all learn from their example in our own daily lives.

If it’s GOOD for earth, it is GOOD FOR YOU!

From Sunshine to Sip: Exploring the Hacienda Iluminada Coffee Farm in Puerto Rico | Home of 787 Coffee

---

When you think of Puerto Rico, coffee might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, Puerto Rican coffee has a long and storied history, dating back to the 18th century when Spanish colonizers brought coffee plants to the island. Today, Puerto Rican coffee is known for its unique flavor profile and the high quality of the beans produced. In this blog post, we'll take a journey through Puerto Rico's coffee fields and explore the process of turning coffee beans into your favorite beverage.

---

---

Hacienda Iluminada, A Coffee Farm in Puerto Rico

The journey begins at our family-owned coffee farm located in the central mountains of Puerto Rico in Maricao, Puerto Rico. Hacienda Iluminada’s location provides an ideal climate and soil conditions for growing coffee, resulting in some of the best coffee beans in the world and in Puerto Rico’s Finest Coffee.

Upon arriving at the farm, you will enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, which create a lush and verdant landscape. Always greeted by the farmers and neighbors, who began our tour by explaining the different varieties of coffee grown on the farm and their unique characteristics that make it one of the worlds’ best coffees.

Harvesting and Processing

After walking and learning about the coffee plants, we will continue our journey to the harvesting process. Coffee is typically harvested between October and February, with each tree yielding about 20 pounds of fruit per year. Strips of fabric are attached to each branch to catch the ripe coffee cherries as they fall.

Once the coffee cherries are harvested, they undergo a sorting process to separate the ripe cherries from the unripe ones. The ripe cherries are then washed, pulped, and left to ferment for a period of time, which allows the flavor of the beans to mature.

After fermentation, the coffee beans are spread out to dry in the sun for several days. The drying process is crucial to the coffee's flavor, as it allows the green beans to turn into the distinct brown color we associate with coffee.

Roasting and Brewing

Once the coffee beans have dried, they are ready to be roasted. Roasting coffee is a complex process that involves carefully controlling temperature and time to bring out the beans' unique flavors. The resulting roasted beans are then packaged and shipped to coffee shops and stores around the world. At Hacienda Iluminada, home of 787 Coffee, we are pushing to bring diversity to the agriculture, coffee world by having a female roaster.

Of course, the journey isn't complete until you enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee. We like to invite our guest to trying espresso based drinks grown right in the location where our guests are starting.

The coffee we grow has a rich and full-bodied flavor with notes of dark chocolate and a hint of citrus. It is a truly delightful experience to taste the fruit of the farm's labor and to realize the journey from sunshine to sip.

Conclusion

Puerto Rico's coffee industry is a hidden gem that more people should know about. From stunning landscapes to rich, flavorful beans, there is much to discover on a journey through the island's coffee fields. Whether you're a coffee lover or simply appreciate quality and craftsmanship, Puerto Rican coffee is a must-try. So, the next time you sit down with your favorite cup of coffee, take a moment to think about the journey it went through, from sunshine to sip.

YOU are always welcome at Hacienda Iluminada, for a cup of coffee or simply to reconnect by enjoying the beautiful mountains, life, animals, sounds, and the beautiful smiles our co-workers have to offer.