A Rich and Beautiful Coffee

You have heard of Aruba and Jamaica, but how about Antigua?

Antigua lies along the southern coast of Guatemala and has some of the world's best coffee growing climate. Three massive volcanoes surround the gorgeous Antigua valley, and its volcanic terrain has created the perfect soil. Combined with the nearly year-round sunshine, it makes for the ideal coffee growing conditions.

Jesuit priests initially brought coffee to Guatemala in the mid-1700s. As a result, coffee has been part of Guatemala's economy since the 1850s, and until recently, they were the top exporter in Central America. Now Honduras is the leading exporter, but Guatemala isn't far behind.

Coffee culture

Until recently, most Guatemalans didn't drink or appreciate their coffee. Almost 100% of the coffee grown in Guatemala was exported. Today, however, things are changing. More Guatemalans are beginning to develop a love and appreciation for their coffee, and exports have dropped to 90%.

Coffee shops are popping up everywhere for locals to enjoy the fruits of their labor, and many of them prefer "third wave" methods of brewing to get the full flavor profile of the coffee.

If you ever stroll the streets of Antigua in search of coffee fresh from the source, expect to barter for your coffee or hear magnificent tales of great discounts given to powerful bargainers who have come before you.

Economy

Understandably, coffee is an essential crop for Guatemalans. Coffee is the number one export from the country, with bananas, sugar, and beef trailing. Most rural families grow coffee, with grandparents passing knowledge on how to grow it down through the generations.

Problems with diseases such as coffee rust, civil unrest, and warmer temperatures associated with climate change make it more difficult to grow coffee. Historically, low coffee prices and competitors in Honduras and other Central American countries have also made coffee a poorer Guatemalan option in recent years.

Despite these problems, many still depend on coffee production to support themselves, and Guatemalan coffee has gotten a good reputation for being some of the best in the world.

Flavor profile

Antigua coffee has an exciting profile unique to other coffees. The coffee is very acidic, with a noticeable brightness in each sip. The coffee has a surprising body despite its acidic nature and has notes of plum, milk chocolate, and even a spiciness hint.

These notes are best brought out as an espresso, or as the Guatemalans do it in third wave methods. These include cold press, the dripper method, a Chemex, or even a vacuum method to express the full coffee flavors.

Guatemalan coffee has a lot to offer coffee lovers around the world. Whether you want to enjoy great-tasting coffee or support the many small families who depend on coffee production to survive, this is a wonderful and unique coffee to try.

Try Guatemala Antigua from World Trader Coffee today and support a small-town farmer!

Did you enjoy reading the background of our Antigua coffee? Click HERE to read about World Trader's Peru Tres Cumbres coffee.