Farming Abroad - Coffee Harvest in El Salvador

Working with Luis Gutierrez and his son on La Finca de Cristiani Burkard in El Salvador, I learn how coffee is harvested at high elevations on the side of an active volcano. The bright red coffee beans are hand picked and fill heavy bags that are carried across steep terrain to the trucks that are waiting to haul them down the rough mountain dirt roads. At the washing and drying facility in the valley below, coffee is prepared one of three ways: natural, washed, and honey. I learned all about the different flavor nuances of the different varieties and preparation methods by taking part in a taste test, which happens regularly on the farm to ensure the the coffee is meeting their highest quality standards. After the beans are washed, they are moved to either raised beds or "the patio," where they are continually hand stirred while they dry under the hot sun. Lastly the coffee beans are bagged and ready for export out to all parts of the world.

[RedBerryCoffeenista]

I am a coffee farmer, processor and roaster in South Africa. I have followed your channel for some time now. I was really excited when you announced that your first video on your new series was about coffee. I was not disappointed. A down to earth, honest, authentic and easy to understand representation of the processes and effort in the early stages of the coffee value chain. Really great work. Look forward to watching your adventures.

[edfig]

Dude this is a full on documentary! AMAZING!!!

[FarmandHammer]

This is the kind of show that should be on Netflix! It was very informative and gave us all a little glance of what fellow farmers are doing around the world. Looking forward to the next one!!!

[carmen.schumann]

. . . it's now about 15 years ago that I (as a tourist from Europe) worked for 2 weeks on a coffee plantation in Costa Rica (just for food and accomodation), the grounds of this family facility was also high-lying on the slopes of volcano Poas - your video reminded me very much of these great days and I nearly physically re-experienced what I encountered then . . .

[josemejia]

I love your documentary as a salvadorian im proud of my people and I thank you for showing something positive of my country....

[LongBeachRunner]

This was a great video :) Thank you for sharing.

[pauljerrymd]

Absolutely excellent. Every person involved in the production of this deserves great credit. You and your wife’s attitude and work ethic deserve credit as well. You should be proud of yourself. This demonstrates the pride of farmers from both countries. This Michigander is looking forward your future travels.

[just.some.dud]

Man what a cool first video. I can't wait to see more, really well done. I have a new perspective on my morning coffee. :)

[dejanbrice]

This is a side of El Salvador I never knew about, I only ever knew about the gang violence and criminals but thank-you for opening this new side of such a wonderful looking country to me!

[BradParler]

Wow! Please bring more of these stories. Such amazing work. Huge thanks to Wilbur-Ellis for sponsoring this content.

[MrSv]

That is the way, No chemicals, No destroying nature, but respect for our planet and What it gives us, wish there were more people like this

[ggattsr]

What an outstanding video. El Salvador is a really beautiful and Luis was most gracious. Loved the graphics and excellent filming. You and Kelly are such naturals. Anxiously waiting for the next one.

[leslieb.]

This was AMAZING! I’m a coffee drinker, but had no idea what was involved in the growing, harvesting, and drying of the beans! So labor intensive! I have a much greater respect for the whole process! Thanks for this video...can’t wait for more of them!

[dangerrangerlstc]

That was awesome to see. Can't wait to see what will come next. I hope it's more of the unusual crops that are particular to certain regions. I imagine corn in Europe is harvested pretty similar to the US.

[danielsim]

Very interesting. -farmer from Mcminnville oregon

[PeterBuchanan]

Great mini documentary! So much more appreciation for you and Kelly, and the special families of el Salvador who work with pride and passion to create the coffee we all take for granted. Much need perspective 👍

[rigobertoavelar]

So proud of my coffee farmers!!
That was my job when in vacation from school… Loved the documentary ❤

[felixgarcia]

Truly grateful that you shared your experience and very carefully put it together in this video. I also will never look at a cup of coffee the same will not take it for granted that so much work went into it. Thank you!

[CherokeeDriver]

You knocked it out of the park with this one! What a bunch of dedicated and humble people. I have so much respect for their work ethic. Thanks for doing this. I've never worked with Wilbur-Ellis but I thank them for helping you produce this! On to the next!

[cruznavarro]

I was born in El Salvador and grew up harvesting coffee in my grandmothers farm, this brought so many good memories. Thank you for quality content and a dignifying representation of my country of origin!