Colombia Betulia washed

At 1,900 to 2,050 masl this is a high-density washed Colombian green that rewards a controlled, patient approach. Allow a thorough drying phase, give the Maillard stage enough time to develop sweetness before approaching first crack, and do not rush development. The lime and sugarcane character is delicate and most vivid at lighter roast levels. The chocolate notes deepen progressively with development, making this a genuinely versatile lot across all roast levels.

Betulia is a municipality in the Santander department of northeastern Colombia, an emerging specialty coffee growing area that sits outside the more commercially prominent Eje Cafetero and Huila regions. At 1,900 to 2,050 metres above sea level, Betulia's farms operate at an elevation that rivals the highest-altitude lots from Nariño and Cauca, producing beans with exceptional density and a distinctive cup profile that reflects the cooler, slower cherry maturation at this altitude.

The farms supplying this lot cultivate their coffee using naturally clean farming practices without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilisers, following the traditional smallholder approach that has defined Colombian coffee production for generations. While this lot does not carry formal organic certification, the farming practices align with organic principles at the field level. The washed process removes the cherry skin immediately after harvest and ferments the beans in water before drying, producing the clean, transparent cup where the sugarcane, lime, and chocolate character come through clearly without processing influence.

This 2024/25 harvest lot scored above SCA 85, making it the highest-scoring green coffee in the United Beans catalogue and placing it firmly at the top of the excellent specialty tier. A score above 85 is uncommon in the green coffee market — fewer than five percent of all coffees traded globally reach this level. For roasters seeking a Colombian green coffee that delivers genuine cup distinction at an accessible price point, this Betulia Excelso is one of the most compelling lots available from Canada.

What does SCA 85+ mean and why does it matter?

The Specialty Coffee Association scores green coffee on a 100-point scale. Any score above 80 qualifies as specialty grade. Scores above 84 are classified as excellent and represent a small fraction of the global specialty coffee supply. A score above 85 is uncommon — fewer than five percent of traded coffees globally reach this level. For roasters, an SCA 85+ score confirms exceptional green coffee quality verified by a certified professional cupper across five tasted cups. It provides a reliable benchmark for single origin menu positioning and premium retail pricing.

Why is this coffee grown without synthetic inputs if it is not certified organic?

Many Colombian smallholder farms, particularly at higher altitudes where pest pressure is lower, farm without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilisers simply because the traditional approach does not require them. Formal organic certification involves multi-year processes, inspection costs, and ongoing documentation that are prohibitive for many smallholder producers. This Betulia lot comes from farms that follow naturally clean farming practices at the field level without carrying certification paperwork. The cup quality and SCA score are the most reliable indicators of how this coffee was grown and handled.

What makes Betulia different from other Colombian specialty regions?

Betulia sits in Santander, northeastern Colombia — outside the more commercially prominent Huila, Nariño, and Eje Cafetero regions that dominate the Canadian specialty green coffee market. At 1,900 to 2,050 masl it operates at an altitude comparable to the highest-elevation Nariño and Cauca lots, producing a cup with the bright acidity, clean sweetness, and structural precision characteristic of extreme-altitude Colombian Arabica. For roasters looking to offer a Colombian green coffee that is genuinely differentiated from standard Huila or Excelso lots, Betulia is worth exploring.

How should I store this green coffee?

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light and moisture. Green coffee is stable for 12 to 18 months when stored correctly.We ship all our green coffee in 9 layer hermetic Ecotact bags to preserve moisture content and the aromatic character of this lot between roasting sessions.

Is this available for wholesale?

Yes. Colombia Betulia Excelso is available for wholesale supply to home roasters, small roasteries, and commercial buyers across Canada. Contact us at hello@unitedbeans.ca for volume pricing, recurring supply arrangements, and availability on larger quantities.