Characteristics of Guatemala Antigua Coffee Beans_Features of Antigua Coffee Growing Region_How Much Does Antigua Coffee Cost

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The Impact of Microclimates on Coffee

After the impact of the Black Tide movement, people gradually began to acquire professional knowledge and technology related to the coffee industry. In addition to large-scale coffee-related exhibitions in various countries, barista competitions, and the ever-changing baking equipment each year, our loyalty and love for coffee have gone beyond simply being satisfied with the status quo. For a professional coffee connoisseur, savoring a good cup of coffee involves many considerations, among which the most profound key is the "microclimate" of each producing region - this is a critical factor that affects the entire system.

The Importance of Microclimates

In the golden coffee belt most suitable for cultivation, the most basic conditions are annual rainfall of 1000-2000 mm and an average temperature around 20°C. These factors must be neither excessive nor insufficient. Even within the same producing region, slight differences in climate characteristics can create many variations in coffee beans (flavor, layering, balance of sweetness and acidity, aromatic characteristics, etc.). Each different climate combination gives coffee beans amazing personality and characteristics, and there are still many unique flavors that have not yet been discovered or defined. This is the wonderful charm of microclimates, the highest level that many coffee enthusiasts passionately pursue, and CATAMONA is no exception!

The Most Brilliant Center of Maya Civilization

Guatemala

Central America has a unique geographical environment, connected to North America in the north and bordering South America in the south. Because it faces the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, the climate is relatively humid and hot, and it has always been an important coffee-producing region in the world.

For more than a hundred years, coffee has been the economic driving force of Guatemala. The interwoven mountain terrain, volcanic lakes, plains and high mountains, combined with the nearby Atlantic and Pacific oceans, create more than 300 types of microclimates, thus contributing to the unique flavors of each different region.

The Guatemalan National Coffee Association (ANACAFE) distinguishes different producing regions based on coffee flavor, climate, soil, and altitude, roughly divided into eight producing regions:

Location of the Eight Major Producing Regions

Microclimates of the Eight Major Producing Regions

Antigua Coffee Bean Producing Region / Average Temperature 18°C-22°C

Fertile volcanic soil, low humidity, abundant sunlight, and cool evening breezes are the characteristics of this region. This area is surrounded by three volcanoes. Whenever the Fuego volcano erupts, mineral-rich volcanic ash mixes with the soil, compensating for the local insufficient rainfall and giving the coffee a special smoky aroma.

Coffee Flavor: Balanced sweetness and acidity, with a special cocoa aroma. When referring to Guatemala's standard acidity, this region is often used as the benchmark.

Traditional Atitlán Producing Region / Average Temperature 20°C-23°C

Among the three major volcanic producing regions in Guatemala, this region has the most organic matter-rich soil. 90% of coffee plants are grown along extremely steep volcanic slopes, and daily cool breezes from Lake Atitlán also affect the area, giving this region's microclimate its own unique style and characteristics.

Coffee Flavor: Rich and aromatic flavor, with an intoxicating aroma and a sweet acidity.

Cobán Rainforest Producing Region / Average Temperature 15°C-20°C

Factors such as year-round clouds and mist, abundant rainfall, and cool climate divide this region mainly into rainy seasons and very rainy seasons. At the same time, influenced by the tropical climate of the Atlantic basin, the cultivation soil is mostly limestone and clay.

Coffee Flavor: Characteristics are completely different from other producing regions, with distinct and subtle acidity as well as a light wine aroma.

New Oriente Producing Region / Average Temperature 18°C-25°C

This region has abundant rainfall and a climate similar to the Cobán rainforest region. Because it is located in a dormant volcanic zone, the soil contains large amounts of metamorphic rocks and minerals, which is very different from other areas with frequent volcanic activity.

Coffee Flavor: Contains aroma, with noticeable acidity and quite good texture. This region is Guatemala's newest coffee-producing area.

San Marcos Volcano / Average Temperature 21°C-27°C

The warmest coffee-producing region in Guatemala, with abundant rainfall, the longest rainy season, and the earliest flowering period. Because unexpected rainfall often occurs during the harvest season, most growers use a combination of sun-drying and machine methods for the coffee bean drying process.

Coffee Flavor: Bright fruit acidity, full-bodied beans, with fresh and light floral aroma.

Acatenango Valley Producing Region / Average Temperature 14°C-31°C

Coffee in this region grows at 2000 meters. Because of the nearby Fuego volcano, the rough sandy soil is rich in minerals. Influenced by gentle Atlantic sea breezes and significant climate differences, coffee beans are more suitable for sun-drying processing methods.

Coffee Flavor: Good sweetness, delicate fruit acidity, with flavor and aroma loved by many people.

Huehuetenango Highlands Producing Region / Average Temperature 20°C-24°C

Among the three non-volcanic producing regions, this area is the driest and highest altitude region for single-origin coffee. It is also Guatemala's most rugged and remote area. Due to dry hot winds from Mexico, there is no frost damage in the mountains, allowing coffee to be cultivated at nearly 6500 feet.

Coffee Flavor: Bright and delicate acidity, with a slight wine aroma.

Fraijanes Plateau Producing Region / Average Temperature 12°C-26°C

This region has high volcanic altitude, and the soil contains rich pumice. The Fraijanes Plateau is still an active volcanic activity area, so coffee from this region has similar characteristics to Antigua.

However, abundant rainfall, high and variable humidity, and large temperature differences give the Fraijanes Plateau very different flavors.

Coffee Flavor: Elegant aroma, gentle and mellow overall texture, with special and pleasant acidity.

The Charming Town of Antigua

The vibrant Guatemalan town of Antigua exudes a unique historical charm, distinctive culture, and international atmosphere of a Spanish student community. Climb the three towering, majestic peaks and indulge in the spectacular volcanic scenery. Baroque architecture, cobblestone paths, and colorful houses outline the picturesque scenery of this city, making people feel refreshed and happy. If you really love coffee, you're in luck because Antigua is the best coffee region in Latin America. Did you know this is also the birthplace of chocolate? Antigua is such a tourist destination that blends colorful things - you can't help but fall in love with it!

Recommended Antigua Coffee Bean Brands

The Guatemala Antigua coffee beans - Flora roasted by FrontStreet Coffee have full guarantees in both brand and quality. More importantly, the cost-performance ratio is extremely high. A half-pound (227 grams) package costs only about 85 yuan. Calculated at 15 grams per single-origin coffee, one package can make 15 cups of coffee, with each cup costing only 5-6 yuan. Compared to the tens of yuan per cup sold in coffee shops, this is an extremely high cost-performance ratio.

FrontStreet Coffee: A roastery in Guangzhou with a small shop but diverse types of beans, where you can find various famous and lesser-known beans. They also provide online store services. https://shop104210103.taobao.com

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473