What is a Fanega?
In coffee cultivation and processing, a fanega is a traditional unit of measurement used in some Latin American countries to quantify coffee cherries. It is equivalent to 250 kilograms of coffee cherry and is used to measure only whole coffee fruit. The fanega was commonly used in Colombia until the introduction of the metric system. Today, it is still used in some regions of Central and South America, particularly in rural areas where traditional systems of measurement are still in use.
Understanding the measurement of coffee cherries is important for coffee producers as it determines the quantity of coffee that can be harvested from a given area of land. The measurement can also affect the pricing of coffee. The use of traditional units of measurement like the fanega may create confusion in the global coffee trade, as coffee is typically traded based on metric units such as kilograms or pounds. However, for small-scale farmers in Latin America who continue to use the fanega, it remains an important part of their coffee production process and cultural heritage.
Overall, knowing the different units of measurement used in coffee production can help roasters and importers better understand the origins of their coffee and the unique practices of coffee farmers in different regions.