The Jimador is the farmer who harvests the Agave plant from the Agave fields.  As the Agave plant reaches maturity at about 7 years, a stalk or spike (Quiote) will begin to grow from the Agave, and the Jimador will cut and remove the stalk. The energy from the plant’s flowering cycle will then be kept in the base or core of the Agave.  This energy, in the form of sugars, is what is fermented for the distillation process.  The plant will be ready for harvesting 6 months later. Harvesting the Agave plant at the time of maximum sugar content is the key to producing the best tequila.  Canción is made only with fully mature, perfectly ripened Agaves!

The Jimador uses the special tool we showcased in last month’s newsletter, a Coa, which is a long wooden handle with a sharp, flat circle cutting blade at the bottom. He thrusts the Coa with an exact precision to cut the leaves (Pencas) off of the Agave to reveal the core, which is called the piña. The piña looks like a large pineapple, and can weigh as much as 150 pounds.

From there the piñas are loaded and taken back to the distillery for processing.

Jimador Facts:

• An experienced Jimador can harvest a piña in 60 seconds or less
• His total harvest for each day will be several hundred piñas, which can total well over 5 tons
• It takes about 11 pounds of agave to make one bottle of tequila

To read our entire September 2022 Newsletter complete with this article and upcoming events where Canción Ultra Premium Tequila will be featured click here!