Panama Black Honey

Name: Panama Black Honey
Brand: La Huella - Cafe de Panama
SKU: whole_beans_black_honey
Price: 18.20 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Story behind Panama Black Honey

The honey process is one of the most complex and resourceful styles for fermenting coffee. At La Huella, our black honey processed coffee explores the terroir without compromising its unique Panama Cup profile. Unlike natural process coffees, honey processed coffee retains more of the cherry's sweetness, enhancing the rich flavor and depth of our Black Honey coffee. The result in front of you is a multiple award-winning specialty coffee that delights the senses with its sweet, complex flavors and smooth, full body.

Processing method

Honey process

This process consists of removing just the pulp from the coffee cherries after harvest. By removing the pulp, the cherry is left with its sweet and sticky honey, which is where the “honey” process gets its name from. The cherries are then taken directly to bamboo beds to be dried in the sun. During this process, the beans need constant stirring in order to dry properly.

Honey-processed coffees often exhibit a pronounced sweetness and complexity, due to the fruit’s honey layer that remains in contact with the bean during drying. The cup generally has a fuller body than washed coffee, but it is cleaner than naturally-processed coffee.

Recommended preparation

Espresso

1. Turn on your espresso machine and let it fully heat up. This can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes depending on the machine.

2. For espresso, you want a fine grind, but not so fine that it becomes powdery like flour. It should be somewhat similar to table salt in consistency.

3. The typical dose for a single shot of espresso is about 7-9 grams, and for a double shot, it's 14-18 grams. Use a scale for accuracy.

4. Transfer the ground coffee to your espresso machine's portafilter. Level the grounds using your finger or a distribution tool. Then, tamp the grounds with a tamper applying even and firm pressure. The surface should be level and smooth.

5. Lock the portafilter into the machine's group head. Start the shot. A general guideline for extraction time is 20-30 seconds. The coffee should start to drip after a few seconds, eventually forming a steady, mouse-tail-like stream.

6. Once the espresso has been extracted, serve it immediately in a pre-warmed cup. It's best enjoyed fresh.

Pro tips:
- Fresh beans are key. Espresso is best with beans that have been roasted within the past two weeks.
- Water quality matters. If your tap water doesn't taste great on its own, consider using filtered or bottled water.
- Adjust your grind size to get the optimal extraction. If the espresso extracts too quickly and tastes sour, your grind might be too coarse. If the espresso extracts too slow and tastes bitter, your grind might be too fine.

Packaging

Our Commitment to Eco-Friendly Packaging

In our pursuit of sustainable luxury, we prioritize responsible packaging that cradles your purchase. The bags enveloping our coffee hail from a producer dedicated to carbon neutrality. These CO2-neutral bags not only exude sophistication but also reflect our unwavering commitment to reducing environmental impact.

Your purchase will be delivered in a fully recyclable cardboard box, meticulously crafted to protect your product and minimize its ecological footprint. Sourced from producers who prioritize eco-friendly materials, this box encapsulates our vision for a greener planet. Every step of our packaging journey is a testament to our dedication to both quality and environmental responsibility, ensuring your high-end experience is not just luxurious but also sustainable.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Panama Black Honey grown?

Panama Black Honey is grown on our family farm in Cañas Verdes, Boquete, Panama, at 1200-1600 meters above sea level, on the slopes of Volcán Barú — the volcanic soil and cool microclimate this altitude brings are what make Boquete coffee famous.

What varietal is Panama Black Honey and how is it processed?

It is a Catuai varietal, prepared with Honey Process. The processing method shapes the cup: washed coffees taste cleaner and brighter, honey and natural coffees sweeter and more fruit-forward.

How should I brew Panama Black Honey?

For espresso, start around a 1:2 ratio (18 g in, 36 g out) in 25–30 seconds and adjust grind to taste.

How fresh is the coffee when it arrives?

We roast to order in the EU and ship within days of roasting, so your beans arrive near the start of their peak window — not off a warehouse shelf.

How should I store my coffee?

Keep the bag sealed, away from light, heat and moisture, and do not refrigerate. Grind just before brewing; whole beans stay at their best for several weeks after opening.