Is Guatemala’s Finca Las Delicias Coffee Arabica or Robusta?

You’ve seen the question pop up more than once: is the coffee from Guatemala’s Finca Las Delicias really Arabica—or could it be Robusta? With so many myths floating around about coffee species, it’s easy to get confused, especially when origin details get lost in translation. But if you’re tasting notes like floral, caramel, and black tea, you’re almost certainly drinking Arabica. Let’s break down exactly what’s in that bag from Finca Las Delicias.

The short answer: the coffee from Guatemala’s Finca Las Delicias is 100% Arabica—specifically a mix of Bourbon and Caturra varieties. It is not Robusta. Grown at 1,675 meters above sea level in the Fraijanes region, this SHB (Strictly Hard Bean) grade coffee is processed using the washed method and displays classic high-altitude Arabica traits.

What’s the Difference Between Arabica and Robusta?

Global coffee production is dominated by two species: Arabica (70–80%) and Robusta (Canephora). Arabica beans are known for their complex flavors, brighter acidity, and lower caffeine content. They make up the majority of specialty coffee. In contrast, Robusta has a harsher, more bitter profile, double the caffeine, and is typically used in instant coffee and espresso blends for crema and cost efficiency—not for refined cup quality.

Major Arabica Varieties You Should Know

Two of the oldest and most influential Arabica varieties are Typica and Bourbon. Both originated in Ethiopia and were later brought to Latin America and Asia, where they mutated into numerous sub-varieties. Typica, for example, is the parent of famous coffees like Mandheling, Blue Mountain, and Yirgacheffe. Bourbon, meanwhile, is valued for its balance and sweetness, and has given rise to varieties such as Yellow Bourbon and Caturra.

Typica is known for large, oval beans, bronze-tipped leaves, and delicate cup profiles—but it’s also highly susceptible to disease like leaf rust. Bourbon, often considered a Typica offshoot from Yemen, tends to produce sweeter, more complex cups and is widely adapted across Central America.

What About Finca Las Delicias in Guatemala?

Finca Las Delicias is located in Fraijanes, near Guatemala City, at an elevation of 1,675 meters. The farm produces coffee from October to February, using the washed processing method. Its beans come from two classic Arabica varieties: Bourbon and Caturra. These are cultivated in volcanic soil under high rainfall and cool temperatures typical of the Fraijanes microclimate. The region benefits from nearby Pacaya Volcano, one of Guatemala’s three active volcanoes, which enriches the soil with minerals through regular ash deposits.

This environment contributes to the coffee’s described profile of black tea, floral notes, and rich caramel sweetness. Such characteristics are hallmarks of well-grown, high-altitude Arabica—not something you’d find in Robusta.

Why Isn’t This Coffee Robusta?

Robusta is rarely grown in Guatemala’s premium coffee regions. The country focuses overwhelmingly on Arabica, particularly in its seven key regions: Antigua, Cobán, Atitlán, Huehuetenango, Fraijanes, Oriente, and San Marcos. Each zone has unique growing conditions, but all specialize in Arabica. Robusta’s high bitterness, harsh body, and lack of desirable aromatic complexity make it unsuitable for the country’s reputation in the specialty market.

Furthermore, Finca Las Delicias explicitly lists its varieties as Bourbon and Caturra—both 100% Arabica. There is no mention or implication of Robusta in its production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the coffee from Finca Las Delicias Robusta?

No, the coffee from Finca Las Delicias is not Robusta. It is 100% Arabica, specifically the Bourbon and Caturra varieties. These are classic high-quality Arabica cultivars known for their sweetness, acidity, and complex cup profiles—not the harsh, bitter traits of Robusta.

Where is Finca Las Delicias located?

Finca Las Delicias is located in the Fraijanes region near Guatemala City, Guatemala. It lies at an elevation of 1,675 meters above sea level and produces coffee from October to February each year.

What coffee varieties does Finca Las Delicias grow?

Finca Las Delicias grows two Arabica varieties: Bourbon and Caturra. Both are well-regarded for producing balanced, aromatic coffees with good sweetness and acidity, especially when grown at high altitudes.

What processing method is used at Finca Las Delicias?

The coffee from Finca Las Delicias is processed using the washed (wet) method. This method highlights clarity and acidity, and is commonly used for high-quality Arabica beans, especially in Central America.

What does coffee from Finca Las Delicias taste like?

The coffee tastes of black tea, floral notes, and has a rich caramel sweetness. These flavor attributes are typical of well-grown high-altitude Arabica and align with the washed processing method used at the farm.

Is Guatemala known for growing Robusta coffee?

No, Guatemala is not known for growing Robusta. The country almost exclusively produces Arabica coffee, with major production centered in its seven key regions, all recognized for high-quality Arabica cultivation.

Recommended FrontStreet Arabica Beans from Guatemala & Beyond

FrontStreet Coffee’s Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 is a classic Typica-derived coffee grown at high elevation with balanced acidity and flavors of chocolate and almond. For something more fruit-forward, their Brazil Queen Manor Yellow Bourbon offers creamy peanut, caramel, and sweet cane notes. Both are 100% Arabica and highlight the complexity possible from well-grown varieties—perfect if you enjoy the floral and caramel tones found in Finca Las Delicias coffees. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.