Guatemala is known for its history and the quality of its coffee. Coffee beans were introduced to the country in 1773 by Jesuit priests. Years later, coffee was sold as a consumer product and sometimes for medicinal purposes. It wasn't until 1870 that Guatemalan coffee gained international recognition, due to the start of exports during a trade crisis. Since then, coffee has become one of the country's main sources of income.
Currently, the coffee sector supports more than 115,000 people and families who are responsible for national production and contributes to even more people indirectly or directly through employment during the harvest. The coffee they offer is mostly washed Arabica. Guatemala currently ranks ninth among coffee exporters.
THE FARM
Southwest of Antigua, on the eastern slopes of the enormous Acatenango Volcano, lies the small municipality of Alotenango. Before the value of specialty coffee was recognized, Alotenango coffee was sold and blended under the name "Antigua" to benefit from the regional premium.
The coffees of Alotenango are a microregion of their own, characterized by their volcanic topography and their proximity to the Caribbean Sea. This year's selection of La Candelaria coffee was assembled through an extensive evaluation process of the farm's harvest lots. The Zelaya family is passionately committed to both quality and sustainability. The family farms are meticulously managed, from the careful selection of planted varieties to the close oversight of the processing. The coffee is shade-grown, which protects the plants from direct sunlight, maintains soil health, and provides an important habitat for birds and insect life.
THE GRAINS
Origin: Alotenango, GuatemalaRoast: Espresso
Producer: Zelaya Family
Variety: Bourbon
Tasting notes: Silky, caramel, cherry, sweet
THE RECIPE
We offer these guidelines to help you develop a recipe, but keep in mind that it may vary depending on the machine, mill, and water you use.*
IN 18 grams of coffee
OUT 35 grams per cup
Time of 25 seconds.
Coffee boiler temperature 93ºC,
Water pump pressure 9 bar
*La Marzocco, Linea PB
*Victoria Arduino, Mythos One
*Osmosis water, 110 ppm
