Aura Tropical, InConexus' distinguished coffee brand, captures the unique sensorial profile crafted by the dedicated growers of Association Café Origen Palestina in southern Huila. At its core stands Doña Maria Rodriguez, a third-generation coffee producer and one of the founding members of the Association a decade ago. Her farm, Betania, is more than just a coffee plantation – it's a testament to perseverance. As a single mother, Maria has masterfully balanced family responsibilities with farm management, supported by her son in daily operations. Betania showcases exemplary agricultural practices, where coffee flourishes beneath a protective canopy of guamo, cachimbo, orange, and avocado trees. This thoughtful integration, along with a dedicated one-hectare forest reserve, creates a thriving ecosystem that enhances both biodiversity and coffee quality. While traditional varieties like Colombia, Caturra, and Castillo have long been the region's staples, the farm now cultivates exotic varieties including Tabi, Pink Bourbon, Bourbon Chiroso, SL-28, and Gesha. Through their partnership with InConexus, the Association has embraced innovation in processing methods and infrastructure development. Beyond conventional washed processing, they've mastered honey, natural, and anaerobic fermentation techniques. A standout feature is their specialized drying facility with a modified adjustable roof (helva), serving both as a quality control mechanism and a community resource for Association members.
The brand name "Aura Tropical" reflects the distinctive tropical fruit notes characteristic of South Huila's unique terroir – a perfect harmony of careful cultivation, rich soil, specific microclimate, and precise post-harvest practices. Maria and Finca Betania embody the essence of Colombian coffee farming, where tradition meets innovation, and dedication yields exceptional quality in every cup.
