The bag of coffee sitting on your shelf is either a blend or a single origin bag. The blends are fantastic, creating intricate and unique flavors that those beans alone cannot. It’s popular other half, single-origin coffee, is what we’re here to talk about.
Those will be a bag sourced from one farm in Ethiopia, Panama, or Brazil. They could also be from Guatemala, which is what we are here to talk about. Let’s take a look at not just the culture of coffee in Guatemala but the beans themselves. There is a lot to consider!
Coffee Culture in Guatemala
Even with its popularity as an exporter of coffee beans, coffee consumption within Guatemala only became popular more recently. Also, as of 2012, the consumption of coffee had doubled in the past five years. From there, the interest has only grown. 10% of the coffee that the country produces is now enjoyed within it, which was not the case 15 years ago. Similar to the third wave coffee movement in other parts of the globe, smaller coffee shops became more popular over the years as a way to enjoy specialty coffee within Guatemala.
Check out Guatemala’s National Coffee Association if you are interested in learning about coffee in Guatemala from that perspective. Heads up though, the site is in Spanish!
Coffee Growing Conditions in Guatemala
Guatemala is one of the top 10 coffee producers in the world. Guatemala produces more than 204,000 metric tons of coffee a year. It is divided into 8 coffee-producing regions, each of which has varying conditions that make their beans unique.
There are some common themes within these regions.
From the altitudes to the heavy rains, it’s no wonder that Guatemala is producing so much great coffee! What region’s coffee appeals to you the most?
Antigua
If you’re going to remember any of the regions, it should be this one. The Antigua region is known for both its quality and quantity! This is due in part to its fertile soils, the large amount of rain, and consistent temperatures.
Cobán
This subtropical region provides us with beans that have a more balanced body to them. At the same time, the moisture creates a more crucial timeline for making sure the beans do not spoil.
Atitlán
High precipitation and high altitude are what make this region notable. Plus, the beans produced are known to have a full body with citrusy notes.
Oriente
Being the “former volcanic range” that it is, this region’s soil is incredibly unique—making it perfect for coffee.
San Marcos
This region uses a unique “pre-dry” technique, making their early rainy season easier to navigate.
Huehuetenango
Farms here are going to be high in elevation with dryer soil. Huehuetenango is the place to find beans with high acidity and fruity notes.
Fraijanes Plateau
This region has a very active volcano in it! No need to panic because this provides the minerals with soil. The soil combines with the heavy rain and high altitude to produce incredible coffee.
Acatenango Valley
A bit of a newbie to the Guatemalan coffee market, but holding to high standards all the same. The many small farms in this region are producing quality coffee to create a name for this region.
Brands
Azotea Coffee Guatemala Antigua
This coffee is sold in a Guatemalan-typical handmade bag, but that’s just a bonus to this excellent brand.
El Injerto
These beans are grown in the Huehuetenango region. With trees covering the entire farm to add a unique twist to the growing of these beans. Additionally, they have a few different bean options, all of which they pride in being grown sustainably!
Honorable Mention: La Colombe’s Guatemala Cerro Grande is light and bright. A perfect single-origin coffee!
Thank you for reading all about Guatemalan Coffee! It’s a smaller country packed full of some of the best that coffee has to offer. Whether you enjoy Guatemalan coffee in your own home or travel South to try it yourself and see where it comes from. Guatemalan coffee is a must-try.
For more articles to enhance your coffee knowledge, check these out: 5 Best Coffee Filters On The Market, Your Definitive Guide to Coffee Candies, and What’s the Difference Between Cold Brew & Iced Coffee!
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Brew ya later!
