Lucía Muñoz Guevara

Lucía Muñoz Guevara is a dedicated coffee farmer whose operations are situated in the mountainous terrain northwest of Jaén, in the Cajamarca region of Peru. Having lived on her farm throughout her life, she has developed a deep connection to the land, focusing on the cultivation of high-quality coffee varieties that are well-suited to the specific microclimate of the Peruvian highlands. Her farm serves as a testament to the potential of smallholder production in a region increasingly recognized for its specialty coffee output.

The agricultural foundation of her farm relies on a selection of established, high-quality coffee varieties, specifically Caturra, Bourbon, and Pache. These cultivars are prized for their ability to thrive in the Cajamarca environment, balancing productivity with the complex cup profiles required for the specialty market. By focusing on these varieties, Muñoz Guevara ensures that her harvest meets the rigorous standards expected by international roasters and specialty coffee importers.

In recent years, Muñoz Guevara has distinguished herself through the adoption of precise, experimental processing methods. She is known for utilizing an extended anoxic fermentation technique to elevate the quality of her fully washed coffee. This process begins with the sealing of intact coffee cherries in clean plastic bags, allowing them to ferment in a shaded environment for 72 hours. This initial stage is followed by depulping, after which the coffee is sealed again to continue fermentation with the mucilage exposed for an additional 48 hours.

This meticulous approach to processing is designed to manipulate the chemical development of the bean, resulting in a more nuanced and distinct flavor profile. Once the fermentation stages are complete, the coffee is thoroughly washed in clean tanks and moved to solar dryers, where it undergoes a controlled drying process on parchment. This level of technical precision reflects a broader trend among high-end Peruvian producers who are moving beyond traditional processing to capture higher premiums in the global market.

Her work has gained visibility through partnerships with sourcing and export organizations such as Cultivar, which facilitate the connection between her farm and specialty roasters. The collaboration highlights the importance of traceability and direct relationships in the specialty coffee supply chain, allowing roasters to showcase the specific efforts of individual producers like Muñoz Guevara to their customers.

For the consumer, the coffee produced by Lucía Muñoz Guevara represents the intersection of traditional farming heritage and modern processing innovation. By documenting her specific methods—from the choice of varieties to the duration of anoxic fermentation—the supply chain provides transparency that allows drinkers to understand the labor and technical expertise required to produce a high-scoring cup. Her story stands as a representative example of the evolving landscape of Peruvian coffee, where individual farmers are increasingly empowered to define the quality and character of their own product.