Honduras · Variety
Parainema Coffee from Honduras
Parainema is one of the defining varieties of Honduran coffee. Honduras grows coffee at 1,100–1,700 m across regions such as Copán, Montecillos (Marcala), Opalaca, and Parainema — a Interspecific hybrid of Sarchimor line (T5296 descent) selected by IHCAFE, Honduras — occupies an important place in that landscape. Its preferred range of 1,000–1,700 m aligns with what Honduran farms can offer, which is a large part of why the pairing works.
Agronomically, Parainema brings a demanding but rewarding profile — rust resistant; notable nematode resistance — with high yields on a compact to medium plant. In Honduras, where the harvest runs november – april and annual production is ≈5.5–6 million 60-kg bags, those traits shape which farms plant it and how its lots reach the export market through Puerto Cortés.
In the cup, Honduran Parainema expresses both sides of its parentage: the variety contributes tropical fruit, grape, winey sweetness at altitude, while Honduras's terroir adds the character the origin is known for — sweet caramel and red fruit, round body, gentle citric acidity; marcala lots add peach and floral lift, copán leans chocolate. Buyers comparing Parainema across origins will find the Honduran expression distinct for exactly that reason.
Key facts
| Variety | Parainema |
|---|---|
| Species | Interspecific hybrid |
| Lineage | Sarchimor line (T5296 descent) selected by IHCAFE, Honduras |
| Optimal altitude | 1,000–1,700 m |
| Honduras growing altitude | 1,100–1,700 m |
| Harvest season | November – April |
| Disease resistance | Rust resistant; notable nematode resistance |
| Bean size | Medium to large |
| Typical Honduran cup | Sweet caramel and red fruit, round body, gentle citric acidity; Marcala lots add peach and floral lift, Copán leans chocolate. |
Related Honduras regions
Parainema Coffee from Honduras — frequently asked questions
Where in Honduras is Parainema grown?
Primarily across Copán, Montecillos (Marcala), Opalaca, at elevations of 1,100–1,700 m. The variety's preferred range of 1,000–1,700 m means the higher zones tend to produce the most expressive lots.
What does Honduran Parainema taste like?
Expect the variety's core character — tropical fruit, grape, winey sweetness at altitude — shaped by Honduras's terroir toward sweet caramel and red fruit, round body, gentle citric acidity; marcala lots add peach and floral lift, copán leans chocolate.
When is Parainema from Honduras available fresh?
The Honduran harvest runs november – april; fresh-crop lots typically reach consuming markets one to three months after milling, shipped via Puerto Cortés.
Volcana Coffee exports high-grown Catimor, Typica, and washed Fine Robusta from the Bolaven Plateau, Laos — washed, natural, and honey processed, SGS-inspected, with full export documentation. Cup our origin against any in the world.
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