When we think about good coffee, Guatemala is one of the origins that first come to mind for many coffee lovers. So, how did Guatemala come to be one of the most sought after coffee origins? Let’s dive into it!

The History

Coffee has played a significant role in Guatemala’s history and economy since the early 19th century. While it is currently a cornerstone of the nation's agricultural sector, it hasn’t always been that way. Before coffee was recognized as a mainstay agricultural crop, coffee plants were used for decoration! In fact, when they were first introduced to Guatemala in the mid 1700s, they were purely ornamental plants that were to be used by the Jesuit convent. You’re probably wondering, how did this plant go from being ornamental to becoming one of the largest agricultural exports of Guatemala? Well, we have the invention of artificial dyes in 1856 to thank for that. Before 1856, Guatemala’s main cash crop was indigo, but the invention of chemical dyes instantly made indigo an unprofitable crop. So, this began the government’s push to encourage coffee production in an effort to stabilize the economy. By 1880, coffee made up 90% of Guatemala’s exports. Unfortunately, this came at the cost of the displacement of indigenous communities, as their land was expropriated by large plantations. 

The Terroir

Guatemala has become one of the most sought after origins for coffee. The relatively high altitudes, rich volcanic soil and ideal climate of regions such as Antigua, Huehuetenango, and Cobán, to name a few, have proved to be the perfect landscape for cultivating a diverse range of high-quality coffees for coffee drinkers around the world to enjoy.