The Benefits of Fair Trade for Guatemalan Coffee & Key Characteristics of the Best Guatemalan Coffee Beans

One of Equal Exchange's partners in Guatemala is Manos Campesinas (Farmers Hands). This organization was established in 1997 by 620 farmers from 6 cooperative organizations and now organizes 1,073 members in 7 cooperatives located in the departments of San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Retalhuleu, and Sololá. Most of these farmers own less than 2¼ acres of coffee each. In their first season (1997-1998), Manos Campesinas exported one container of coffee. The following harvest, they exported four containers. In the next three years, their exports increased to six, nine, and thirteen containers respectively. In 2003, they exported 16 containers, representing 40% of total production. Considering that the fair trade price for coffee that year was $1.26, while the market (unfair) price was 60 to 70 cents, the improvements in coffee farmers' livelihoods, health, and nutrition became evident.

Guatemala's Coffee Growing Regions

Guatemala has eight major coffee-producing regions, and while conditions vary slightly among all regions, most are exceptionally suitable for growing Arabica coffee trees. The high altitude of the plantations (1,600 to 16,400 feet) promotes slow maturation of the cherries and produces complex, rich coffee. Acidity levels depend on humidity levels, but most beans carry strong notes of chocolate, fruit, and flowers.

Quality and Safety Considerations

If you're concerned about mycotoxins and mold, Guatemala's coffee beans are your best choice. Most growers rely on the wet processing method, which removes the pulp before the cherries are sun-dried. This process may not completely eliminate toxins, but it does reduce the risk of contamination.

Finding the Best Guatemala Coffee

If you've been following FrontStreet Coffee closely, you should already understand the history and current state of Guatemala coffee beans. Here's how to find the best Guatemala coffee:

What to Look For

It's 100% Arabica coffee. While no laws prohibiting Robusta cultivation are mentioned, the finest varieties rely exclusively on Arabica coffee beans. These trees may be more difficult to grow, but they produce more delicious java without strong bitterness or acidity.

It's single-origin. Blended coffee is always cheaper and more accessible, especially when you pair Guatemala coffee beans with Brazilian beans or Colombian products. The problem is that high concentrations of "filler" beans can easily overwhelm the authentic flavor of Arabica coffee grown in Antigua or Huehuetenango. If you want to understand Guatemala coffee, choose single-origin varieties that highlight local flavors rather than mask them.

It's whole bean. If you don't have a grinder, buying pre-ground coffee is your only option. Nevertheless, we always recommend choosing whole beans for optimal flavor. Additionally, you can use different grind settings for espresso machines, cold brew, or AeroPress. Pre-ground versions don't offer the same level of flexibility.

It's freshly roasted. Don't settle for "best by" dates! Any self-respecting roaster will print the roasting date on the bag, letting you know how fresh the beans are.

It's shade-grown and organic. Unfortunately, you can't expect every Guatemala plantation to take the chemical-free route. Check out our reviews of USDA Organic certified coffee. You'll also see seals on the bags as well as Fair Trade certifications. There's something particularly satisfying about coffee that's good for both you and the planet.

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