What Makes Guatemala Coffee Different From Other Coffee Beans

What do you look for in the perfect cup of coffee? You may love intense flavors, or perhaps you’re partial to more mellow roasts. Or, maybe you’re simply searching for the most caffeinated cup you can find. At Via Guatemala Coffee, we think the best coffee should viscerally stand out regarding quality, health benefits, and flavor.

So, what exactly makes Guatemalan coffee so incredible compared to other coffee beans? We’ll break down the best features of Guatemalan coffee so you can understand why so many people worldwide prefer our variety of perfectly roasted beans.

History & Sustainability Practices

Guatemalan culture is woven into every facet of business produced by the country, especially when it comes to coffee. We can trace the origins of Guatemala’s coffee production back to the 18th century. During this time, coffee plants were used as monastery decorations by Jesuit missionaries. It wasn’t until the 19th century, however, that Guatemala began producing coffee commercially. Guatemala’s economy greatly depended on cochineal and natural indigo exports. When cochineal harvests were disrupted, they turned to coffee production instead. 

Guatemala’s climate was perfect for coffee plant growth, but this doesn’t mean it was easy to get into the business. Since natives weren’t too familiar with how to produce coffee and didn’t have the proper technology to do so at first, it took a while for farmers to create a growing and harvesting system that worked. Land to produce coffee was also expensive, making the whole process somewhat inaccessible. But, after the Liberal Revolution of 1871, land for coffee plantations could be more easily acquired, thus giving way to the increased production of coffee. By the end of the century, 92% of Guatemala’s exports were coffee-related!

In the past, Guatemalan coffee production was largely a result of cheap labor initiatives. Now, producing coffee in this beautiful country is met with more firm sustainability practices. Large coffee farming corporations do not dominate the industry in Guatemala – instead, small farmers are supported and patronized, which furthers coffee growth in a way that encourages efficient production, ethical labor, and environmental health. Other coffee varieties from different countries tend to depend on large-scale production from companies that do not pour back into the country where they are working.

Additionally, nearly 100% of Guatemalan coffee is shade-grown, which helps protect the soil in these areas. Since coffee production is so crucial to Guatemala’s culture and economy, coffee forests are plentiful, which means they are well-tended and developed, further enhancing the quality of plant life and air in these areas.

Nutrient Density

Since the soil is well-protected in Guatemalan coffee-growing systems, these coffee plants yield beans that are packed with vital nutrients. This coffee is loaded with cell-protecting polyphenols, which are antioxidants that fight against free radicals and cellular damage. The volcanic landscapes of the coffee-growing regions in Guatemala also contribute to the nutrient composition of the coffee beans. For Via Guatemala Coffee, in particular, our coffee beans are harvested from volcanic mountain soil, which contains crucial minerals like magnesium and potassium, all of which support things like immune system protection, muscle growth, and brain health.

Bright, Crisp Flavor

Guatemalan coffee tends to have a much deeper, more acidic flavor than other coffee bean varieties. Due to the altitude of the land where these beans are grown, coupled with the volcanic soil that produces the plants, you’ll notice a certain earthy richness that isn’t present in other coffee varieties. This taste is smooth, offering a natural mouthfeel that boasts sweet notes like apple, cherry, and orange. You’ll also notice a hint of caramel or milk chocolate. If you’re a fan of espresso martinis, or if you’re looking to make an unforgettable tiramisu, Guatemalan coffee beans are the perfect choice for creating a notable cocktail or unique dishes you’ll never stop thinking about.

Via Guatemala Coffee Pairs Sustainability With Unmistakable Quality

At Via Guatemala Coffee, we appreciate the rich history, eco-friendly practices, and immense flavor of actual Guatemalan coffee. We work with a collective of independent farmers who meticulously check each plant by hand to ensure the best quality bean production possible.

Our coffee beans are packed with a rich flavor only the Guatemalan highlands can produce. They offer a fragrant, tasty brew that is perfect for your morning commute, a birthday brunch, or a quiet morning at home. 

Try our coffee today, or treat yourself to our collection of chocolate bars for a genuinely memorable bite!