Guatemala — Finca Los Guayabos (Pacamara)

This coffee was sourced through Peregrine’s direct trade relationship with Cesar Gonzalez of Café Rio Verde. Over time, this partnership opened the door to several exceptional Guatemalan coffees, including those produced by Benjamin Donado Garcia at Finca Los Guayabos (“Farm of the Guava Trees”) in the department of Jutiapa.

At Los Guayabos, Benjamin cultivates Pacamara, a cross between the Pacas and Maragogype varieties. Pacamara is known for its unusually large bean size and its reputation for complexity in the cup. The coffee is grown at elevations of 1,450–1,850 meters, under full shade, which encourages slower maturation of the cherries and contributes to a smoother profile. After harvest, the coffee is washed and sun-dried on patios.

Shade-grown coffees like this one are increasingly sought after in specialty coffee. The slower growth cycle often results in beans with lower acidity and greater balance, while also supporting biodiversity on the farm.

Profile

• Roast: Medium

• Region: Jutiapa, Guatemala

• Farm: Finca Los Guayabos

• Process: Washed

• Elevation: 1,450–1,850m

• Variety: Pacamara

• Cup: Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cheese Danish, Salted Cashew