Energy Use
Patio drying of coffee beans is a technique employed weather permit; and, it is practiced at Finca El Faro as much as possible. However, the valley where El Faro is located, surrounded by the Santa Maria and Santiaguito volcanoes, has a unique microclimate. Due to the constant heat emanating from the Santaguito volcano, clouds form early in the day reducing the amount of sunlight needed for efficient sun drying.
In the absence of sunlight, other sources of heat are in demand. Fire is used to generate heat as an alternative to sunlight; however, Finca El Faro does not rely on firewood obtained from forest clearing. Firewood employed is derived from coffee plants and shade trees that undergo pruning.
In addition, we maintain a ten acre eucalyptus forest, which will provide firewood exclusively for the drying process of coffee beans. Also coffee pergamino is employed. 80% of the heat source is provided by the burning of coffee husks.