Abel Salinas

Abel Salinas is a first-generation coffee grower in Saraguro, southern Ecuador, and a key figure in the town’s rise as an origin of exceptional coffee. Alongside neighboring farmers who transitioned from cattle production to coffee cultivation, Abel planted the Typica Mejorado cultivar and began experimenting with innovative post-harvest processing methods. His efforts quickly earned recognition, including a historic first-place prize at Ecuador’s first Cup of Excellence competition. This coffee is brimming with fruit complexity—sweet nectarine and bright blood orange flavors give way to more tropical fruit tones as the cup cools. 

Pronunciation: AH-bell sal-EEN-ahs

Produced by Abel Salinas in the Saraguro region of Ecuador, this lot showcases the distinct profile of the Typica Mejorado varietal. While Typica is often celebrated for its balanced, clean cup profile, this specific selection from Counter Culture Coffee highlights vibrant, fruit-forward characteristics. The cup presents a complex interplay of sweet nectarine, bright blood orange, and tropical fruit notes.

When evaluating such nuanced profiles, tasters often find it helpful to reference a flavor wheel to better articulate the specific acidity and sweetness found in high-quality Ecuadorian coffees. Because Typica Mejorado is a hybrid variety, it is frequently studied for its ability to combine the classic, elegant structure of traditional Typica with the heightened aromatic intensity often sought by specialty roasters. This offering from Abel Salinas serves as a compelling example of how regional terroir and careful processing can elevate the inherent qualities of this unique plant variety.