Stories from the Farm: Life at Finca T Week 1
Earlier this season, Alma Coffee co-founders Leticia and Harry packed up and moved to Finca T in Honduras for the coffee harvest. Their goal was to fully immerse themselves in farm life, embracing both the beauty and the challenges of coffee production. Those first days set quite the tone for the season ahead.
Mornings at the farm start with baleadas, warm flour tortillas stuffed with creamy beans, local cream, eggs, and, of course, a cup of freshly brewed coffee. It is truly the breakfast of champions. As the sun rises, the farm comes alive with energy. Honduran culture is rooted in connection and respect, which means mornings begin with genuine conversation rather than quick greetings. These moments of catching up set a positive tone before the workday begins and create a sense of community that defines life at Finca T.
The weather has been powerful and unpredictable. Heavy rains are a regular part of the season, often knocking out power for hours at a time. The rain is both a blessing and a challenge. The coffee trees depend on it, but too much can cause the cherries to burst right on the branch. Farming is a constant balance between patience and perseverance.
During the early part of the season, the farm team focused on maintenance. Mechanics, electricians, and plumbers worked to ensure every piece of equipment was ready for harvest. One evening, the rain came down so heavily that the farm’s water reservoir overflowed, leaving the fish stranded. Within minutes, the team organized a spontaneous rescue effort, wading into the water with buckets to save them.
One of the most inspiring parts of life at Finca T is the work being done at the farm’s school. The children there are not only learning traditional subjects like math and reading but also gaining hands-on experience in agriculture. They are growing nurseries, studying horticulture, and learning how to turn crops into income. It is a meaningful way to prepare the next generation of farmers and entrepreneurs.
Harry has also joined in on the learning process. Each day, he participates in two-hour Spanish classes alongside the students, determined to become fluent by the end of the season. His dedication and the laughter that fills the classroom have made language lessons a highlight of the week.
Farm life has its challenges. The bugs are relentless, from mosquitos to ants, and even the occasional scorpion. Thankfully, fifteen cats and four loyal German Shepherds patrol the grounds, keeping an eye on pests and providing constant companionship. Another unexpected challenge has been food access. Items like spinach, sourdough bread, and fresh berries are not easy to find locally. After visiting several stores without success, the team discovered that many of their colleagues had never even tried spinach before. The nearest large store, Pricemart, is nearly four hours away.
Fortunately, a friend driving from the city came through with a delivery of groceries, leading to one of the most memorable evenings of the season. With spinach finally in hand, Leticia cooked an Italian-themed dinner for the team. Without bread, the group improvised and made garlic butter tortillas, creating what is now affectionately known as Honduran-Italian fusion garlic bread. It was an instant hit.
Life at Finca T has been humbling, eye-opening, and full of meaningful moments. Between the storms, laughter, shared meals, and quiet reflection on Alma’s future, the experience has served as a reminder of the care, connection, and hard work behind every cup of coffee.The slower pace of farm life has offered a new perspective and deepened Alma’s appreciation for the people and processes that make exceptional coffee possible. Taste the results for yourself and bring the harvest home with a bag of Alma Coffee today.
