Finca El Limoncillo

Farm Name:    El Limoncillo 

Region:    Matagalpa 

Micro-region:    Yasica Norte 

Year founded:    1932 

Founder:    Alejandro Salazar 

Current Owner:    Maria Ligia Mierisch 

Altitude:    950-1300 meters 

Shade Trees: Guava, Laurel Negro, Poro, Nogal, few banana trees, other native varieties. 

Rainfall per Year: 3,786mm in 2005 

Mucilage Removal: Fermentation for approximately 36 hours then hand washed with fresh water. 

Varieties Grown: 10%Maragoipe, 30% Pacamara, Bourbon 25%, Caturra 20%, Java 15% 

Processing Method: 95% Fully Washed, 5% Natural

Drying Method: Sun Dried - Patios 

Flowering Period: 3 flowerings 1st=Jan/Feb(Crazy Flowering) 2nd=Mid-March 3rd = May/June 

Harvesting Period: December-March 

Harvesting Method: Hand Picked, ripe cherries only, no stripping, 3 passes per tree over the harvest period 

General Information:

This farm got its name from the unusual growth of lemon trees that were originally found here. This is arguably our most beautiful farm. 

With four waterfalls, numerous streams, and a vast diversity of plant and animal life, this farm has undeniable beauty. A visit to this farm is an opportunity to hike steep mountain trails crisscrossed by meandering streams. 

We take pride in being environmentally and socially responsible and are always looking for new ways to improve our efforts.

Environmental Projects: 

We have currently finished a 15kw hydroelectric plant that, while small, powers the farms operational needs and also those who reside in the community. 

We have built biodigesters from which we have usable gases that are used to fuel the kitchens which lessens the deforestation that is associated with wood burning stoves. 

We use organic composting every chance we get. We use the cherry mucilage from the past crop as one of the main components in this compost. Further, we have worm beds in which humic acid is produced. In layman's terms, humic acid, is an organic fertilizer which is very rich and beneficial to plants. 

Social Projects: 

We have an established Child Daycare program. This gives working mothers access to childcare on the farm. Infants, toddlers and children have a place for food and healthcare, while engageing in educational activities. The nursery employs women from the community to care for the children. The nursery is used most actively during harvest months, which coincide with school vacation, December to February. This is a great option for families who have come to the farm temporarily for the harvest season.