Multiple coffee-growing regions make up the coffee bean haven of Guatemala. The country is based in the Americas next to Mexico. You can be sure that Guatemala will produce some of the finest beans you've ever tasted!
I bet you’re dying to know which region grows the best Guatemalan coffee. We will get to that point later on in the article! For now, let’s dig a little deeper into coffee production in Guatemala. How did the country get to where it is now, and why are Guatemalan coffee beans so celebrated?
Coffee Production in Guatemala
Coffee Production in Guatemala happens way up high in the mountains. The optimal temperature for coffee growing in the country is 16 to 32 degrees C. The sun can get too strong at high altitudes. Often, farmers have to keep their coffee plants in the shade.
Guatemala has a mild subtropical climate and is coated in rich, volcanic soil. This, along with high altitudes, is great for growing Arabica coffee beans. The coffee plants blossom between May and October. From November to February, farmers can pick the ripe cherries.
Production has remained rather traditional until recently. Guatemalan coffee beans are fully washed, before being dried on a patio. The wet-washing method is a no-brainer, because of the high rainfall in Guatemala. Nowadays, producers are purchasing new technology and Micromills are gaining popularity.
If you want to be sure you’re getting the best Guatemalan coffee, keep your eye out for the Strictly Hard Bean (SHB). These beans are tested and pre-approved by the Guatemalan Coffee Association (ANACAFE). They only come from particular regions and they must meet the flavor criteria. SHB’s are the highest grade of coffee you can find in Guatemala.
History of best guatemalan Coffee
1700’s
The first coffee trees arrived in Guatemala. At this point, there was no coffee production in the country and plants were merely ornamental.
1850’s
It was during the 1850’s that Guatemala first began to develop its coffee production. The government realized that coffee production could be beneficial to the economy. They began awarding farmers that cultivated enough coffee.
In 1859, Guatemala exported their first shipment of coffee, which went to Europe. In the early days, coffee growers didn’t have access to the knowledge and technology we have today. For this reason, growth was slow at first.
1870’s
The dictator, Barrios, focused on coffee production and exportation as his government program. Coffee was the main focus in terms of exports and accounted for 90% of all exports from the country.
1960
ANACAFE became the official national coffee association. It was responsible for representing all coffee production in Guatemala. Having this governing body meant that coffee producers had to adhere to certain standards.
ANACAFE identified 8 main coffee growing regions and established coffee brands under these regions. Their slogan, “A Rainbow of Choices”, reflected the range of coffee beans that each region had to offer.
1962
A violent civil war broke out, and the government used terror to control the population. Entire villages were wiped out, with a total of around 200,000 deaths. The war mostly affected poor people living in rural areas. They faced poverty, racism, and hunger.
The issues that ruled the country then can still be seen to affect the coffee economy in Guatemala.
2005
Producers in Guatemala began to focus on specialty coffees, as this market seemed the most relevant to them.
2011
Up until this point, Guatemala was the top coffee producer in the whole of Central America. In 2011, Honduras took over that top spot.
Present day
Guatemala has an unfaltering standard of coffee. It is second in the world for the production of high-grade coffee.
The country exports over half of its coffee to the US. Sadly, coffee farmers don’t benefit much from Guatemala’s success. The drop in coffee price has also seen their wages drop significantly. Coffee farmers now earn around $2 per day.
How does Region affect Coffee Beans?
It’s no secret that the Guatemalan coffee flavor profile is varied and exciting. You may notice any flavor from chocolate to spice to floral. The tones you pick up from your cup of coffee often depend on the region it is from. That region’s climate and processing methods have the biggest impact on how your coffee beans taste.
Is it possible to determine which region produces the best Guatemalan coffee? Let’s investigate.
Guatemala Antigua
Guatemala Antigua grows coffee beans with a range of distinctive flavors, with a high range of acidity. Antigua beans are protected by the mountain. They boast some of the most powerful profiles of all the Guatemalan regions.
You can find this particular Guatemalan coffee for sale all over the world. Consumers can be sure of high quality because of the perfect soil and climate in this volcanic area. Antigua varieties can have a full and even velvety body and a rich, lively aroma.
Rainforest Cobán
In the regions of Cobán and Huehuetenango, most of the coffee beans are grown in small plots of land. Unfortunately, the quality of the beans can be poor due to transportation issues and rainy seasons. In fact, the region got its name because of the immense humidity! Cobán translates to “cloud”, and is a word from the Maya Keckchi language.
We can thank the Atlantic Ocean and the altitude for the unique growing conditions here. The Strictly Hard Beans that the region produces are fruity and fragrant with some wine notes.
Highland Huehuetenango
Regions in Highland Huehuetenango can reach up to 11,800 feet. This area borders with Mexico and the neighboring country provides dry, hot winds. These winds protect the highlands from frost and instead provide a subtropical, humid climate.
The coffee beans that grow here include Bourbon, Catuai, and Caturra. They have a beautiful appearance and make for a high quality, winey cup.
Acatenango Valley
The Acatenango Valley is surrounded by leafy forests and sits at an altitude of 2,000 meters. Nearby volcanic explosions nourish the soil with useful minerals. The Central American heat is made less harsh because of breezes from the Pacific Ocean. This climate is ideal for the sun-drying of coffee beans.
Minerals from the volcano enhance the acidity of the beans. A cup of coffee from this region will be aromatic with a balanced body.
Traditional Atitlan
The wet climate offered by Lake Atitlan affects how coffee in this area is produced and processed. Each month, the lake experiences at least 50 mm of rain. Most producers use this wetness to their advantage and choose wet-processing methods for their coffee beans. Farmers don't need to use chemicals here. Instead, they can use organic matter as fertilizer.
Almost all of the coffee here is grown on small farms. It has a full body and a crisp, pronounced acidity.
Fraijanes Plateau
Coffee plants in the volcanic area of Fraijanes Plateau are able to grow in rich soil with high potassium levels. This potassium gives the cup some extra body and minerals. The temperatures are moderate, while the climate and rainfall make for optimal coffee growth.
All of these factors combine to grow a coffee bean to match the quality of Guatemala Antigua beans. They are Strictly Hard Beans, the most highly rated type in Guatemala.
New Oriente
The weather in the Oriente is wet and humid, though in a less extreme way than Cobán’s weather. This area doesn’t experience quite as much rain – usually just 1800-2000 mm each year. The volcanic soil is made up of metamorphic rock and clay.
Like most coffee from Guatemala, New Oriente produces an aromatic cup with a good body.
Volcanic San Marcos
San Marcos has the hottest weather and highest rainfall of all the regions. Those conditions can be intense! The rainy season here arrives earlier than anywhere else, so flowering can begin sooner. Because of the high amount of rain, producers have to use the sun to pre-dry their coffee. They finish off the drying process in a mechanical dryer.
Guatemalan Coffee Facts
Want an extra insight into the world of coffee in this beautiful country? Here are some quick-fire Guatemalan coffee facts.
- Coffee farmers aim to cover 60% of their coffee plants in shade. Too much shade is bad for the coffee beans, as is too little. Coffee farmers are particular about setting up optimal conditions for the best quality coffee. Sadly, when Victor Cholotio, a coffee worker, climbed the trees to prune the cover, he fell to his death. He has a memorial in his honor.
- On a happier note, a cup of coffee from Guatemala is pure luxury. You'll notice hints of chocolate, nuts, and toffee. The coffee beans have the ability to retain their beautiful flavors, even if you put them through a dark roast.
- In 2009, a variety from Huehuetenango won the Coffee Cup of Excellence.
Fair Trade Coffee in Guatemala
Fair Trading first emerged in 1988, and coffee was the first certified Fair Trade product. The Fair Trade movement was designed to offer farmers a more sustainable lifestyle, so they could be rewarded fairly for their work. Often, farmers can't afford to live from the coffee-growing season alone.
Fair Trade coffee is available in over 7000 retail outlets in the US. It might be widely available to consumers, but prices are higher and so demand isn't always booming. Fair Trade in Guatemala has been successful in some aspects but has fallen short in others. Thanks to more sustainable methods of agriculture, some growers notice better situations on their farms.
However, seasonal workers have received a minimal increase in wages. Due to the small demand for Fair Trade products, most Fair Trade farmers still sell 80% of their coffee at the lower price.
However, seasonal workers have received a minimal increase in wages. Due to the small demand for Fair Trade products, most Fair Trade farmers still sell 80% of their coffee at the lower price.
The bottom line
For the highest quality coffee, buy beans from Antigua, Cobán, Atitlan and Huehuetenango. Farmers and processors hold their coffee to a high standard, which is recognized worldwide.
Americans are huge fans of Guatemalan coffee and receive most exports from the country. While we may enjoy the taste of the cup, it's easy to forget about the farmers that produce it. Many are still living below the poverty line, despite working so hard. The Fair Trade movement is in place to help the problem and so hopefully with time, conditions will improve.
