LA FRAYLESCA
La Fraylesca is a key coffee-growing region located in the central-southern part of Chiapas, Mexico, encompassing municipalities such as Villaflores, Villa Corzo, and La Concordia. The area lies within the Sierra Madre de Chiapas range, characterized by rolling hills, fertile volcanic soils, and elevations typically between 800 and 1,500 meters above sea level—conditions well suited for Arabica cultivation. The region experiences a warm, humid climate with annual rainfall ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 millimeters and average temperatures around 20–24 °C. Coffee farming in La Fraylesca is largely carried out by smallholder producers who cultivate varieties such as Bourbon, Typica, Caturra, and Catuaí, often under shade and increasingly through organic and sustainable systems that help preserve soil fertility and biodiversity. The harvest season generally runs from November to March, with most coffees processed using the washed method. Coffees from La Fraylesca tend to have a mild yet well-balanced profile, featuring notes of chocolate, caramel, and sweet fruit with moderate acidity and a smooth body. While the region has strong potential for specialty production, farmers face challenges such as fluctuating prices, pest pressures, and the need for improved infrastructure and technical support. Nonetheless, La Fraylesca remains one of Chiapas’s important coffee zones, contributing significantly to both domestic supply and Mexico’s export-quality Arabica output.
