Growing Coffee Beans in Guatemala

What Makes Guatemalan Coffee Special? 

Nestled in the heart of Central America, Guatemala boasts a rich coffee-growing heritage that’s as diverse as its landscape. From misty mountains to volcanic slopes, this small country produces some of the world’s most coveted beans. But what sets Guatemalan coffee apart from the rest?

Guatemalan coffee is renowned for its complex flavour profile, often featuring a perfect balance of acidity and body. The country’s varied microclimates and altitudes contribute to the unique characteristics of each region’s beans. At Guilty Coffee, we’re particularly fond of the beans from the Huehuetenango region, which we use in our “The Informant” blend.

Where Does Our Guatemalan Coffee Come From?

Our Guatemalan coffee hails from the Huehuetenango region, a area known for producing some of the finest beans in the country. But what makes this region so special?

Why is Huehuetenango Ideal for Coffee Growing?

Huehuetenango, located in the western highlands of Guatemala, offers the perfect conditions for cultivating exceptional coffee:

1. High Altitude: The region’s coffee farms sit at elevations between 1,500 and 2,000 meters above sea level. This high altitude slows bean growth, resulting in denser, more flavourful coffee.
2. Climate: Huehuetenango enjoys a unique microclimate, protected from frost by warm air currents from Mexico’s Tehuantepec plains. This allows coffee to be grown at higher altitudes than in other parts of Guatemala.
3. Soil: The area’s mineral-rich, well-draining soil provides ideal nourishment for coffee plants.
4. Tradition: Many of the region’s farmers have been growing coffee for generations, passing down their expertise and passion.

What Coffee Varieties Do We Source from Guatemala?

Our Guatemalan coffee blend, “The Informant”, is a carefully curated mix of four classic coffee varieties:

1. Bourbon: Known for its sweet, complex flavour and excellent acidity.
2. Catuai: A hybrid variety that produces a well-balanced cup with good body.
3. Caturra: Offers bright acidity and good flavour at high altitudes.
4. Typica: One of the oldest coffee varieties, prized for its excellent cup quality.

Each of these varieties brings something unique to the blend, creating a coffee that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

How is Our Guatemalan Coffee Processed?

We use washed Guatemalan coffee in our blend. But what does this mean, and why does it matter?

What is Washed Processing?

Washed processing, also known as wet processing, involves removing the coffee cherry’s outer layers before the beans are dried. Here’s a quick breakdown of the process:

1. Harvesting: Ripe coffee cherries are picked by hand.
2. Pulping: The outer skin and pulp are removed mechanically.
3. Fermentation: The beans are left to ferment, breaking down any remaining pulp.
4. Washing: The beans are thoroughly washed to remove all traces of pulp.
5. Drying: The clean beans are dried, usually in the sun.

Why Do We Choose Washed Guatemalan Coffee?

Washed processing tends to produce cleaner, brighter flavours in the cup. It allows the inherent characteristics of the bean to shine through, showcasing the unique terroir of Huehuetenango. This method highlights the chocolate and lime notes in our Guatemalan coffee, creating a crisp, vibrant cup that’s perfect for those who appreciate nuanced flavours.

What Can You Expect from Our Guatemalan Coffee?

Our medium roast coffee blend, “The Informant”, offers a tantalising flavour profile that’s sure to intrigue your taste buds:

• Aroma: A enticing mix of chocolate, lime, and caramel greets you as soon as you open the bag.
• Taste: The first sip reveals a well-balanced medium body with bright acidity. The chocolate notes provide a rich base, while the lime adds a zesty, refreshing top note. A subtle caramel sweetness rounds out the flavour.
• Finish: The flavour lingers pleasantly, with the chocolate and caramel notes creating a long, satisfying finish.

How Should You Brew Our Guatemalan Coffee?

To fully appreciate the complex flavour profile of “The Informant”, we recommend the following brewing methods:

1. Pour-over: This method allows for precise control over the brewing process, helping to highlight the delicate lime notes.
2. French Press: If you prefer a fuller-bodied cup that emphasises the chocolate flavours, the French Press is an excellent choice.
3. Espresso: The bright acidity and caramel sweetness of this coffee make it ideal for espresso, either on its own or as the base for milk drinks.

Whichever method you choose, we recommend using freshly ground beans and water just off the boil (about 95°C) for the best results.

Why Choose Guilty’s Guatemalan Coffee?

When you choose our Guatemalan coffee, you’re not just getting a great cup of joe. You’re supporting:

• Sustainable farming practices in Huehuetenango
• Fair wages for skilled coffee farmers
• Preservation of traditional coffee varieties
• Environmentally friendly processing methods

Plus, you’re treating yourself to a coffee experience that’s as thrilling as a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. After all, with a name like “The Informant”, you know this coffee’s got a story to tell.

Ready to Spill the Beans?

Whether you’re a seasoned coffee connoisseur or just someone who appreciates a good cup, our Guatemalan coffee is sure to impress. Its unique combination of chocolate, lime, and caramel notes creates a flavour profile that’s as memorable as a perfectly executed sting operation.

Ready to let “The Informant” spill its secrets? Grab a bag of our single origin coffee and experience the taste of Guatemalan excellence for yourself. Who knows? It might just become your new partner in crime – for your morning routine, that is!