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Durbè emphasizes the unique approach, stating, “It’s
the coffee, not the rotating basket or the air in it that we
are heating. It’s the coffee itself being heated, the sun’s
rays hitting coffee beans, heating them and causing the
heating of the air surrounding it. But, essentially, the
warmest part of all of this is the bean itself.”
Harnessing Sunshine
However, the success of PuroSole is somewhat
weather-dependent. On sunny days, the plant can roast
Roasting is a crucial step in the coffee-making pro-
coffee efficiently, saving a substantial amount of elec-
cess, significantly influencing the flavor profiles that
tricity. A PuroSole plant in southern Italy, equipped
coffee enthusiasts cherish. In the heart of Rome, two vi-
with 40 mirrors, can reportedly roast up to 30,000
sionary engineers, Antonio Durbe and Daniele Tummei,
kilograms of coffee annually, saving around 60,000
have embarked on a journey to reimagine this essential
kilowatt-hours of electricity.
stage by introducing an environmentally friendly so-
“It’s the coffee itself being heated, the sun’s rays
lar-powered coffee roaster named PuroSole. With almost
hitting coffee beans, heating them and causing the heating
six years of dedication, Durbe and Tummei have developed of the air surrounding it,” Daniele explains.
began to see the opportunity for even greater ways in a system that revolutionizes coffee roasting without rely-
which we could see success come to this country and its ing on traditional electricity or gas sources. In terms of environmental impact, PuroSole claims
coffee program. It was at this point that Coffee Blossom The solar coffee roaster harnesses the abundant Roman to save approximately 400 kilograms of CO2 for every
Honey was born.” sunshine to roast up to 50 kilograms of coffee beans per tonne of roasted coffee—a noteworthy contribution to
Highlighting the dual benefits of honey production, hour. The system occupies an area approximately half the sustainability in contemporary times. The company not
Edwin emphasizes, “What this has done for Guatemalan size of a tennis court and is entirely powered by solar ener- only produces its own brand of coffee, available online,
farmers is essentially it gives them a much better life! gy. Durbe explains, “We don’t use fossil fuels, such as gas, but also seeks to propagate the use of solar-powered cof-
And what more can we ask?” The introduction of bees electricity. It is all purely and directly solar energy being fee roasting for a more sustainable future.
not only improves coffee plant health but also provides The founders envision a broader impact beyond their
Nectar of Innovation Another fascinating innova- concentrated on the bean, zero energy consumption.” coffee brand—make their solar coffee roasting plants
tion is the production of Coffee Blossom Honey in Gua- an additional revenue stream, offering financial stability. A set of mirrors focuses sun rays onto the coffee roast- accessible to environmentally conscious small businesses,
temala. This unique product is a byproduct of coffee Discussing the taste of Coffee Blossom Honey com- er, and even the minimal electrical components are powered with a mission to significantly reduce the cost of large
cultivation, showcasing how every part of the coffee plant pared to store-bought varieties, Edwin notes, “For many, by a small solar panel. Controlled by a computer, sensors thermodynamic plants.
can be utilized. During an interview, Edwin Martinez, what they are used to when they consume store-bought ensure that the mirrors track the sun’s movement, directing
CEO of Onyx Coffee / Coffee Blossom Honey, shares the honey is a cheaper/lesser-quality product. Coffee Blos- its light onto a rotating steel basket containing fresh coffee
fascinating story of the lesser-known yet significant som Honey has a delicate taste, with floral notes and beans. This innovative process, apart from being environ-
world of Coffee Blossom Honey, emphasizing its poten- significantly greater crispness and clarity. You can taste mentally conscious and economically viable, enhances the
tial impact on coffee crops and the lives of farmers. the nuances (from the blossoms) much like you can taste preservation of the coffee’s aroma, resulting in a richer
Growing up in Guatemala surrounded by coffee the nuances in coffee grown in the various regions.” flavor compared to conventional roasting methods.
farming, Edwin’s connection with the land shaped his Expressing hope for the future of Coffee Blossom
journey. Reflecting on his childhood, he reminisces, “It Honey, Edwin envisions continued growth that benefits
is situated in the western-highlands and shares borders both the team in Bellingham and the farmers in Guate-
with the Mexican state of Chiapas in the north and west. mala. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the
Before this farm became my parent’s it belonged to my company remains resilient, and Edwin encourages con-
Grandparents and so I have many great memories over sumers to support their mission. Edwin Martinez’s jour-
many great years of this place.” ney reflects the transformative power of Coffee Blossom
Moving to the USA, Edwin continued his passion Honey in diversifying income sources for farmers and
for coffee, eventually founding Onyx Coffee. However, enhancing the overall quality of coffee cultivation.
it was during his interactions with humanitarian groups
and his efforts to connect Bellingham to Guatemala that
Coffee Blossom Honey emerged as a new initiative. In a
recent interview, Edwin shares, “Through the growth of
Onyx Coffee as an importer of Guatemalan coffees, I

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