Guatemala: Coffee from the Land of the Maya

The coffee culture in Guatemala is important for the country and dates back to the 19th century. Guatemalan coffee is an important export product and is known for its rich flavour and subtle acidity. Coffee production is a complex process that begins with planting coffee beans in high-altitude mountain regions. Coffee farmers work with local communities to ensure sustainable coffee cultivation and fair trade practices.

About the country Guatemala

Guatemala is officially called the Republic of Guatemala. It is a Central American country, bordering countries such as Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Guatemala has a very diverse landscape. In the center and northwest of the country, there is a high plateau with mountains and volcanic peaks reaching over 4000 meters in height. The southern coastal region and the west of Guatemala are relatively flat and are intensively used for growing sugarcane, fruit cultivation, and livestock farming. The capital is Guatemala City and, with approximately 1 million inhabitants, is also the largest city in the country. The official language spoken here is Spanish, but a significant portion of the population speaks Mayan languages, and there are a total of 21 of them. The most important ones are K'iche' (Quiché), Kaqchikel, Q'eqchi' (Kekchi), and Mam.

The coffee culture of Guatemala

The coffee culture in Guatemala dates back to the 19th century when the first coffee plantations were introduced. Today, coffee is one of the country's main export products, and it is a source of pride for Guatemalans.

Guatemalan coffee is known for its rich, full-bodied flavour with hints of chocolate and nuts, as well as a subtle acidity that perfects the taste balance. This is due to the different varieties of coffee beans grown in the country, including Bourbon, Caturra, Typica, and Pacamara. Moreover, the production methods of Guatemalan coffee, such as the dry process and the use of shaded plantations, are aimed at creating the best flavour profiles.

However, the coffee culture in Guatemala goes beyond just the taste of coffee. It is also an important part of the country's social structure, with a strong emphasis on fair trade practices and supporting local communities. That is why our own Bright Colourful Guatemala also has the Rainforest Alliance certification, ensuring that every sale supports the farmers and their community in Guatemala.

Cultivating coffee beans

Guatemala is a country known for its high-quality coffee production. It has an ideal combination of factors that make it perfect for growing high-quality coffee, such as a moderate climate, fertile soil, and high-altitude mountain regions. Due to the large altitude differences, local weather conditions can vary significantly, and even microclimates exist.

Coffee production in Guatemala is a complex process that begins with planting coffee beans. Coffee plantations in Guatemala are usually located at altitudes between 1,200 and 1,800 meters above sea level, which provides ideal conditions for the growth of coffee trees.

Coffee beans from Guatemala

There are several types of coffee beans grown in Guatemala, including Bourbon, Caturra, Typica, and Pacamara. Each variety has its own unique flavour profile and growing conditions. The picking of coffee cherries is usually done by hand to ensure the quality of the beans. After the cherries are picked, they are sorted by size and ripeness. Then, the cherries are processed to obtain the coffee beans.

There are two methods for producing coffee beans in Guatemala: the wet method and the dry method. In the wet method, the coffee cherries are washed and stripped of their pulp before the beans are dried. In the dry method, the coffee cherries are dried directly in the sun without being washed first.

After drying, the beans are packaged and exported to buyers all over the world. Many Guatemalan coffee producers are focused on sustainable coffee cultivation and work with local communities to ensure fair trade practices. This results in high-quality coffee and contributes to the sustainable development of the coffee industry in Guatemala.

Buy coffee beans from Guatemala

Curious about the flavours of Guatemala? Try our Bright Colourful Guatemala coffee beans! A rich coffee with notes of caramel, a sweet taste, and a slightly spicy finish. Not only delicious as an espresso but also perfect for a cappuccino, for example.