Honduras | Ovidio Gomez | Parainema | Natural

Region: Las Flores, Santa Barbara

Elevation: 1650 masl

About: Proud Mary’s connection to the Santa Barbara region of Honduras began all the way back in 2012, when we were introduced to a small group of producers situated around the town of Peña Blanca, close to the shores of the stunning Lake Yojoa. More than a decade later, that group of producers has grown in number, and our relationships have deepened.

Ovidio Gomez was among the members of that initial group. A man of few words, Ovidio has a gruff exterior, often with a machete in hand, but beneath it sits a deep care for the land and his community. His coffees have developed a loyal following among our staff and regular customers, with each new release eagerly anticipated.

Parainema is a variety developed by the Instituto Hondureño del Café (IHCAFE) for high cup quality and resistance to coffee leaf rust and other diseases. Grown at high altitude in the misty microclimate surrounding Lake Yojoa, Ovidio’s natural Parainema is wild and expressive.

This selection from Proud Mary Coffee highlights a specific lot produced by Ovidio Gomez in the Las Flores region of Santa Barbara, Honduras. Grown at 1650 masl, this coffee features the Parainema varietal, a plant known for its resilience and distinct cup profile. Because this lot undergoes a natural process, the coffee cherry is dried intact with the bean, a technique that often imparts a heavier body and pronounced sweetness compared to washed counterparts.

The Honduras · Las Flores, Santa Barbara region is increasingly recognized for its unique microclimates, which contribute to the complexity found in high-quality harvests. When evaluating the nuances of such a distinct natural-processed coffee, tasters often consult the flavor wheel to identify the specific fruit-forward characteristics that emerge from the drying process. This offering serves as a compelling example of how careful cultivation and processing methods can elevate the profile of the Parainema varietal.