Volcano of Opportunities

Jalapa, Guatemala’s rich soils and high altitudes are ideal for growing high-quality coffee. The region is, perhaps, less well-known than Guatemala’s more renowned coffee regions of Antigua, Acatenango and Huehuetenango, but the climate here lends itself to high grown Arabica production just as well. This relative anonymity is part of what makes this coffee such great value.  Farms in the region are overwhelmingly small-scale (usually under 5 hectares) and usually are managed with the entire family pitching in at key points during the year. Coffee is shade-grown and most families still grow ‘traditional’ varieties, such as Bourbon and Typica, though resistant varieties are slowly being introduced. Coffee is the main cash crop for most families, where the majority of other agriculture is geared towards subsistence. Crops such as maize and beans are common.

Guatemala Jalapa coffee is celebrated for its pronounced sweetness, with tasting notes that often include hints of berries, pistachio, and wine-like undertones. The beans also possess a delightful, bright acidity and a rich, full body, making Jalapa coffee one of the best coffees in Guatemala and is highly sought after in the specialty coffee market