Guatemala - El Camoja
El Camoja was produced by a community of farmers working as a co-op to grow speciality coffee around the foothills of Pena Blanca, Huehuetenango - our favourite coffee region in Guatemala.
The many microclimates across the valleys and hills here bring diverse flavour profiles. Altitude and weather allow coffee cherry to ripen and develop slowly, delivering wonderful complexity in the cup.
Our lot was selected mid-harvest, showcasing the qualities and characteristics this amazing region of Guatemala can have.
Subtle notes of honeysuckle, peach and melon adding layers to the expected toffee and milk chocolate.
Producer: Anacelto Martinez at Agricola Integral Co-op
Region: Chalum, Huehuetenango
Altitude: 1600 - 1750
Harvest: January - March
Process: Washed and sun-dried
Varietal: Bourbon, Caturra, San Ramon
‘HueHue’ is an area we know well and somewhere our Guatemalan import partners operate in extensively.
Because of the slightly cooler weather the coffees here take a little longer to ripen but are all the better for it - more sweetness and complexity in your coffee!
Huehuetenango is often referred to as “Huehue.”
Pronunciation guide: The “Hue” is pronounced like the “whe” in where. “Whe-whe”
With altitudes over 2,000 meters, Huehue is the highest and driest region of Guatemala. It is only one of three regions without volcanic soil. Historically, it has been one of the more remote areas of the country and accessibility has been challenging. In the past, many farmers have used oxen or have carried their coffees on their back. Huehuetenango enjoys easy access to water sources, enabling many producers to process their own coffee.
Guatemala is a country that has 12 different Mayan dialects and in many towns, people don’t speak Spanish. The challenges in working with smaller groups is sometimes the language barrier which is what is found. Also many small villages still have a bit of a self-policing system and don’t permit strangers into their towns/properties. Many of our introductions into Huehuetenango have been through introductions through our network.
You can also read our blog post on Guatemala here ...