Introduction to Guatemala's Bella Estate | How to Drink Guatemalan Coffee?

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The Treasure of Las Minas Mountains: La Bella Estate

The Las Minas mountain range, located in eastern Guatemala, holds countless treasures of the country. Beyond its natural forest ecosystems and wildlife, it contains rich gold and jade mineral veins, making the treasures of Las Minas Mountains famous throughout Central America. To protect this mountain forest, Las Minas Mountains has now been designated as a Guatemalan national park.

Historically, due to its high altitude and latitude, Las Minas Mountains had a cold climate that made it unsuitable for coffee cultivation. However, with the effects of global warming, high-altitude specialty coffee cultivation gradually emerged in the Las Minas mountain region. Among these, the most renowned is undoubtedly La Bella Estate. "Bella" means "beautiful" in Spanish, which perfectly describes this beautiful estate. La Bella Estate is one of the earliest high-altitude specialty coffee estates in the Las Minas mountain region. After gaining prominence in Guatemala's Cup of Excellence (C.O.E.), this emerging micro-region began to establish its place in the competition.

Situated on the southern slopes of the Las Minas Mountains, the area is shielded from Pacific moisture by Guatemala's southern volcanic island chain, while the northern mountains block Atlantic moisture, creating a very dry microclimate. However, La Bella Estate enjoys unique natural advantages - a flowing mountain spring within the estate provides abundant water year-round for irrigation and excellent washed processing methods.

Through four generations of the family's efforts, La Bella Estate now possesses exceptional experience and wisdom in variety selection, cultivation, harvesting, and processing methods. The estate also places great importance on environmental conservation: using solar-powered drying facilities, water recycling, vermicomposting bins (enhancing soil fertility through natural composting methods); and improving the quality of life for estate workers: providing medical support, education, housing environments, and related social welfare services.

FrontStreet Coffee's Brewing Recommendations

Pour-over: V60 dripper, grind at 3.5 on Fuji R440, water temperature around 90°C

French Press: Recommended grind setting of 4, water temperature 90°C

Siphon: Recommended grind setting of 4, water temperature between 90°C-91°C

AeroPress: Recommended grind setting of 3.5, water temperature 90°C

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