Coffee in Guatemala: an Evolving Tradition
While Guatemala is famous for the quality of its specialty coffees, not long ago it was difficult to find good coffee to drink locally. In fact, Guatemalans have only recently begun to drink their own coffee, as the best beans have always been exported to Canada, the United States, and Europe. As a result, the producing countries have never been major consumers of specialty coffee.
Supporting fair trade is critical to ensuring that coffee producers receive fair compensation for their work. At Mystique Coffee, we are proud to offer you Fair Trade Certified Guatemalan coffee. By choosing brands like ours, consumers can help improve the living conditions of coffee growers and support sustainable farming practices.
HISTORY OF GUATEMALAN COFFEE
To better understand the history of coffee in Guatemala, let’s start with the introduction of the plant to the country by Jesuit missionaries. The exact date is uncertain, but it is known that coffee cultivation began in Guatemala in the 18th century, initially as an ornamental plant.
By the mid-19th century, coffee had become a major agricultural crop, largely due to the decline of the natural dye industry following the success of synthetic products. In response, the Guatemalan government launched a series of initiatives in the second half of the 19th century, including a land privatization program initiated by President Justo Rufino Barrios in 1871. The result? The creation of Guatemala’s many coffee plantations, many of which are still in operation today.
Almost a century later, in 1960, coffee growers formed their own association, Anacafé. This organization is still active today and is responsible for marketing, research, financial support and improving the living conditions of farmers in rural areas.
Today, Guatemala is the 11th largest coffee producer in the world, exporting 3.4 million 60-kg bags in 2021-2022, accounting for about 40% of the country’s total agricultural export earnings.1 The industry employs nearly 125,000 people, 97% of whom are small producers who contribute 47% of national production. Including those directly or indirectly involved in coffee-related activities, the sector generates about 400,000 jobs in the country.2
COFFEE GROWING IN GUATEMALA
Guatemalan coffee beans are grown in seven main regions, each benefiting from unique microclimates that give the beans a distinctive aromatic profile, from sweet and chocolatey to bright and fruity.
At Mystique Coffee, we are pleased to offer coffee beans from the Tajumulco region, grown by small farmers using traditional methods. Their ancestral knowledge and commitment to sustainable agricultural practices (such as hand-picking at optimal ripeness) bring to life authentic flavors that respect the land and the community.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TAJUMULCO COFFEE GROWING REGION
Tajumulco, one of Guatemala’s main coffee producing regions, is known for its exceptional coffee, largely due to its unique environmental conditions. Located near Central America’s highest peak, the Tajumulco Volcano, the region benefits from a special microclimate that is conducive to coffee cultivation. The soil, enriched with volcanic ash, is mineral-rich and highly fertile, conducive to the growth of dense and flavorful coffee beans. Coffee plants in this region thrive at altitudes between 1,400 and 1,800 meters, where cooler temperatures slow the ripening process and enhance the complexity of the beans’ aroma. The result is a medium-bodied coffee with lively acidity and spicy notes, making Tajumulco a highly sought-after choice for coffee lovers.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Whether you are a dedicated coffee connoisseur or just beginning to appreciate the intricacies of specialty coffees, we invite you to try our Guatemalan coffee. It offers a medium roast with a balanced body and spicy notes. Order now from our online store to taste the difference. Shop now: www.cafemystiquecoffeeshop.com/product/guatemala
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Sources
1 – http://www.coffeebehindthescenes.com/fr/country/guatemala
2 – https://www.chacunsoncafe.fr/content/195-chacun-son-cafe-tout-savoir-sur-le-cafe-du-guatemala
