Guatemala's Four Major Growing Regions and Estate Coffee Stories - Why Guatemalan Coffee Commands Premium Prices

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Guatemala coffee beans from each producing region have their own unique characteristics, earning Guatemala considerable international acclaim. Particularly noteworthy is Antigua, whose perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and body creates a harmonious experience. Add a hint of smoky flavor, and it emphasizes its mysterious quality—after tasting, you'll have reason not to search for substitutes elsewhere.

Today, we continue our journey through Guatemala's four major producing regions and estates...

Guatemala coffee beans are mostly cultivated in high-altitude volcanic soils, belonging to the highest quality Arabica varieties. Due to the longer maturation period, the beans are medium-sized and dense (Guatemala coffee bean grading is based on defect count rather than bean size). The beans display a deep bluish-green color. A balanced combination of aroma, body, and sweet aftertaste characterizes these beans.

Fraijanes Plateau

This region features volcanic soil, high altitude, abundant rainfall, and significant humidity variations. Volcanic ash from Pacaya, Guatemala's most active volcano, provides essential minerals to the region's soil. The dry season offers ample sunshine, and although morning clouds and dew are heavy, they dissipate quickly. Therefore, Guatemala coffee beans from this region undergo 100% sun-dried processing.

Characteristics: Bright, consistent acidity, rich aroma, and delicate body.

La Tatisha Estate

• Country: Guatemala
• Grade: SHB
• Processing Mill: La Tatisha Estate
• Region: Fraijanes, Guatemala City
• Altitude: 1,675 meters
• Harvest Period: October to February
• Processing Method: Washed
• Varieties: Bourbon, Caturra
• Flavor Notes: Black tea, floral notes, rich caramel sensation

Volcanic soil, high altitude, humid and rainy climate, and active volcanic activity create the unique geographical conditions of the Fraijanes Plateau region. The Pacaya volcano in this area is the most active of Guatemala's three still-erupting volcanoes, often covering the Fraijanes Plateau with a thin layer of ash and providing abundant minerals to the soil. The drying period for coffee beans coincides with the region's ample sunshine season. Although mornings are often cloudy and foggy, these conditions dissipate quickly, ensuring excellent sun-drying conditions.

Guatemala coffee bean cultivation at La Tatisha Estate in the Fraijanes Plateau began in 1920. The estate grows diverse varieties including Bourbon, Caturra, and Pacamara. On the 205-acre farm (1 acre = 4,046.8 square meters), 173 acres are dedicated to coffee cultivation, while the remaining 32 acres of native forest serve as habitat for various local wildlife species. Several natural springs on the farm provide sufficient, high-quality irrigation during the dry season and serve as the power source for the coffee processing mill (water for washed processing).

New Oriente

New Oriente is the newest among Guatemala's main coffee producing regions. In ancient times, it was a volcanic area where the soil consists of metamorphic rock, rich in minerals. Before coffee cultivation began, New Oriente was Guatemala's poorest region. Since the 1950s, farmers in the mountainous areas have relied on this naturally nutritious land to start coffee cultivation. Gradually, the region has come alive with vitality and has now become a rising star in Guatemala's coffee bean cultivation industry.

Characteristics: Balanced flavor, full body, with chocolate notes.

Guayabo Plain Estate

• Country: Guatemala
• Region: New Oriente
• Estate: Guayabo Plain Estate
• Producer: Mr. Benjamin Donado
• Processing Method: Winey Natural Processing
• Variety: SL 28
• Altitude: 1,675 meters
• Flavor Notes: Pineapple, dried apricot, red wine

"Guayabo" is the Spanish transliteration, which actually means "plain of guava," named because guava truly thrives here. The estate is about a 5-hour drive from Guatemala's capital and is located in a notably dry area. The estate owner is Mr. Benjamin Donado, who is in his 60s. The gentleman started growing coffee in 1990, expanding from the initial 28 hectares to 72 hectares today.

While this might sound unremarkable, the reality is far from simple. The entire Guayabo coffee farm is built on a steep slope, with the lowest altitude at 1,400 meters, extending ruggedly upward to over 1,600 meters. Due to the extreme steepness, everyone believed coffee cultivation under these conditions was impossible. However, Mr. Donado, with his extraordinary physical stamina and immense passion for coffee, has successfully produced remarkable coffee.

Last year, small quantities of washed SL28 from Guayabo Plain were released. This year, in collaboration with traders, a new winey natural batch has been added, offering unique flavors. During this collaboration series, immediate communication took place regarding harvesting standards and natural processing methods (such as turning frequency and drying days). The results have been very rewarding, especially since SL28 remains a rare variety in Central America.

Traditional Atitlán

Atitlán is one of Guatemala's five volcanic coffee producing regions, with the richest organic matter among all five volcanic coffee regions. 90% of traditional Atitlán Guatemala coffee beans are grown on the steep volcanic slopes along Lake Atitlán's shores. The daily breeze stirring the lake water is an important factor affecting the region's microclimate. The area has accumulated excellent cultivation and processing techniques over time.

Lake Atitlán was formed from volcanic activity over 80,000 years ago—a large lake approximately 1,000 feet deep and covering 140 square miles. At dawn, shrouded in morning mist, Lake Atitlán gradually reveals its beautiful blue form as the sun rises. The temperature difference between day and night, along with the afternoon winds known as Xocomil, create the unique microclimate around Lake Atitlán.

Characteristics: Refreshing aroma, bright acidity, and full body.

San Marcos Volcano

San Marcos is the hottest climate region among Guatemala's eight coffee producing areas, with the highest rainfall reaching 200 inches (5,000 mm). The rainy season starts earlier than in other regions, and coffee trees flower earlier. Like other remote areas in Guatemala, San Marcos volcanic Guatemala coffee beans are cultivated and processed by small farmers themselves. Due to frequent rainfall during the rainy season, most coffee is first pre-dried in the sun and then finished using Guardiola dryers.

Characteristics: Subtle floral notes in aroma and flavor, noticeable acidity, and good body.

Guatemala Coffee Bean Brand Recommendations

Guatemala coffee beans roasted by FrontStreet Coffee offer excellent guarantees in both brand and quality. More importantly, they provide exceptional value—at 227 grams for only 118 yuan. Calculating at 15 grams per cup, one package can make 15 cups of coffee, costing only about 8 yuan per cup. Compared to coffee shops selling cups for dozens of yuan, this is truly a conscientious recommendation.

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473