Introduction to microclimate and environmental quality of Antigua, a famous producing area of Guatemala

Antigua coffee

Antigua Valley, Guatemala has long been Guatemala's most famous coffee-producing area, Antigua Valley micro-climate provides excellent conditions for growing coffee, such uniqueness is known worldwide. The region's path to fame began decades ago when some Japanese coffee traders discovered superior coffee here. The combination of rich volcanic soil, low humidity, plenty of sunlight and sharp differences between day and night creates the personality of Antigua coffee. The valley consists of three volcanoes: Agua, Acatenango and Fuego. Every once in a while Fuego adds fresh and rich ash to the environment. The ash is rich in minerals and also provides soil growth conditions that help retain moisture against Antigua's dry climate. Like all coffee grown in Guatemala, Antigua coffee grows in shade, which not only protects the coffee from the cold December to January nights, but also creates an ecological corridor for wildlife in this subtropical region.

microclimate information

Climate: The climate in this region is mild, with an average annual temperature of 22°C. The Antigua Valley is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes that protect it from the north wind.

Altitude: Located at an altitude of 1500 meters, it produces very hard bean (SHB) quality coffee.

Weather: The rainy season lasts six months from May to October and the dry season from November to April. In the dry season, temperatures are cool around 14°C from November to January, and warm with an average temperature of 24°C from February to April. Such a unique climate creates a special coffee producing area. The average annual rainfall is about 1200 - 1500 mm.

Soil: Volcanic soil mixed with fresh volcanic ash, rich in minerals and nutrients, is ideal for coffee growth. This area and valley used to be a lake, so the sediment left behind makes the land fertile and has strong characteristics, affecting the unique quality of coffee.

Cultivation: Most coffee is Arabica bourbon and grown in the shade of Gravilea trees. Coffee is carefully picked and selected at maturity and transported to La Esperanza, a washing plant on the outskirts of Antigua.

Coffee processing: coffee is carefully processed in a washing plant and separated by a peeling machine. The final pulp is then removed by fermentation and washed with clean water. Coffee is 75% sun dried. Carefully dry according to customer requirements and ensure consistent quality of each bag, every batch of harvest.

Flowering season: flowering begins in late april or early may and harvesting begins from december to march. Such high-quality green coffee beans are usually available in mid-January.