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Guatemala has quite a few major coffee producing regions - it's a country ideally suited for coffee production. Although coffee is produced throughout, the best coffees come from the famous Antigua, Atitlan, Hueheutenango, and Coban regions. Much of the coffee production is produced in small farms where it is processed by various beneficios around the country (the farmers bring it by the truckload to the processing facilities and then sell it after it is processed). Many farms group together to form small co-ops and process the coffee on site. And some of the best coffees are produced by estates with in-house processing facilities, much like La Finca Urias that I visited on my most recent trip to Antigua.
Flavorful, acidy, rich, complex
Guatemalan coffees are wet-processed, a method that emphasizes the acidity and brighter notes of the bean. Coffee from the Antigua region is famous for the smoke, chocolate, and spice notes and its incredible flowery aroma. Acidity is a prized attribute in Guatemalan coffee and the best stuff is classified as Strictly Hard Bean (SHB) based on the intensity of its acidity in combination with body and aromatics - and subsequently sold at a premium. Beans grown at higher altitudes grow in colder microclimates, and the bean is able to take its time as it grows, leading to a more flavorful bean.
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Fruit fullness, nutty notes with spice hints. A slight touch of smoke with hints of clove. Tart, tight medium acid and medium body. | |
Smooth light berries, chocolate sweetness with hints of cherry and strawberry. Light+ brightness with medium+ body. |
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Guatemala Facts:
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| Capital: |
Guatemala City |
| Languages: |
Spanish, indigenous languages |
| Religions: |
Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant 25%, Mayan Beliefs |
| Ethnic Groups: |
Mixed indigenous-European 56%, indigenous 44% |
| Harvest Seasons: |
SHB - Jan/Apr, Hard - Dec/Jan, Semi Hard - Oct/Nov, Prime and Extra Prime - Sep/Nov |
| 2003/2004 Exports: |
3.31 million 132 lb. sacks |
| Largest Importers: |
USA - 46%, Japan - 15%, Europe - 25%, Canada - 8% |
| Flag: |
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| Run your mouse over the beans above to find out the region! |
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Click the links below to view specific beans!
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