January 2010

Guatemalan Huehuetenango

Close to the Mexican border we find ourselves in the Huehuetenango region of Guatemala to start the new year. Having tried a few Central American coffees these past few months we thought it time to give big brother a go.

When reading about El Salvador coffees (my favourite) I find they are always compared to the Guatemalan coffees, the best of these being from the Huehuetenango region. This gave it quite the reputation to live up to!

Sheltered by frosts by the Mexican plains, the plants are grown at altitudes between 5000-6000 feet above sea level. Consistent rainfall, constant humidity and an average temperature of 23 degrees, means that the beans mature in a uniform manner.

Not wanting to lose any of the creamy textures of the coffee we decided to take it just into the second crack; allowing the full flavour to come through, but ensuring the sweet, fruity characteristics make their presence felt as well.

There are some opinions amongst us at Yahava that the Honduras coffee has been the best bean we have roasted on site. Others feel the African coffees have more to offer. Then there are the fabulous PNG beans…

Whichever way we have sided before now I believe it is all about to be thrown to the wind. This coffee is magnificent and if there are any thoughts of trying some then get in quickly – the Yahava team is growing daily and there isn’t that much to go around!

Enjoy

The Koffee Purist