Chimaltenango sits in the Southern region of Guatemala bordered by Antigua to the east and West of Huehuetenango. The high elevation at 1300-2200 meters above sea level and mineral rich soil nurtures the coffee trees. The varietals included in this lot are Bourbon, Catimor, Caturra, Maragogype, and Pache. 

We chose this coffee exclusively for it's flavor profile. We taste bright citrus acidity, and sweet vanilla and coffee cherry. We have been using Guatemala in our Legacy espresso blend for a while, but this seasons coffee is so outstanding that we have decided to also offer it as a single origin. 

As with most specialty coffee, this coffee comes from smallholder farms, many that have joined a cooperative. Smallholders own less than 5 hectares of farmed land for coffee. Cooperatives help smallholders negotiate better prices, provide education and development programs and allow greater ability for these small farms to obtain certifications.

This cooperative,  Asociación Sostenible de Productores de Guatemala, helped these coffee farmers achieve the Fair Trade and Organic certification. This type of collaboration between neighbors is in line with the cultural values of the community which is made up of mostly indigenous Kaqchikel and Tz'utujil ethnic groups. Over half of the producers in this 1900 member cooperative are women. 

As soon as I tasted this coffee I had to have it. As I was negotiating with the importer the first lot had sold out! I was shocked and disappointed to see hundreds of bags of coffee disappear like the morning mist. As I was mourning the loss of this beautiful coffee, I got an email from my importer that a few more bags were available from a new lot. I jumped at the chance to buy it. I was overjoyed when our first shipment arrived. 

I can't wait for you to try this Chimaltenango Guatemala Fair Trade Organic!