Guatemala SHB — March’s coffee and an original discount code

Our coffee series continues, with Guatemalan coffee named product of the month! Wondering what coffee tastes like from this country of wild vegetation between the Atlantic and Pacific? Before exploring its flavour, let us look at the environment where the beans grow. Focused? Ready? Let us travel to Guatemala for a moment.

The history of Guatemalan coffee

Coffee's beginnings in Guatemala date to the second half of the eighteenth century. Jesuits are generally credited with bringing the first coffee plants to the country. At the time, their potential was not yet understood, and they were treated purely as ornamental plants.

The coffee industry began developing around the middle of the nineteenth century, when the first farms appeared. There were few, and they were modest, so cultivation progressed slowly. A lack of funding and expertise also limited improvements in production.

Despite these difficult beginnings and unfavourable circumstances, Guatemala became a leading Central American coffee producer in the twentieth century and ranked among the world's top ten.

Although countries such as Colombia and Honduras have overtaken Guatemala in various aspects of production, beans from this region are still regarded as some of the finest in quality.

Does Guatemala offer good conditions for coffee?

Guatemala has a remarkably varied landscape. Its position between two oceans is important, as are its plains, mountains and volcanic peaks. Rich wildlife, vegetation including banana plants, bamboo, cocoa trees and palms, and complex microclimates create different growing conditions. Consequently, beans from different regions develop quite distinct characteristics.

Arabica dominates, with varieties including Bourbon, Arabigo, Typica, Caturra, Catuai and Maragogype. Robusta is also grown, but in much smaller quantities.

You may notice the designation SHB alongside Guatemalan coffee. The coffee presented here grows in mountain areas at around 1,600–1,700 metres above sea level. At this altitude, beans mature slowly, drawing on the best nature offers. Mineral-rich volcanic soils, particularly valued for their fertility and nitrogen content, help support the beans' high quality.

Cherries are harvested by hand and then wet-processed, a widely used method in the coffee world. Careful, continuous monitoring is central to the process. Damaged or rotten cherries are removed so they do not reach the roastery.

What is in a cup of Guatemalan coffee?

Imagine taking the first sip of a coffee that awakens all your taste buds. The black brew is exceptionally mild and balanced, recalling fresh walnuts and sweet, gentle maple syrup, with a noticeable touch of acidity. That is Guatemala SHB, one of the world's finest coffees. Surely it is worth a try!

Why buy Guatemalan coffee from our roastery?

• When ordering Guatemala SHB from us, you can be certain it is freshly roasted. We roast each coffee regularly in small batches rather than leaving it in storage.
• We prepare and dispatch orders as quickly as possible, because we know how much you value efficient, fast delivery.
• The original offer included free delivery on orders over PLN 99.
• Promotions and discounts are something everyone looks for, and we offer them too. The details of this article's promotion follow below.

Product-of-the-month promotion — Guatemala SHB

In March 2021, Guatemala SHB whole-bean and ground coffee was offered at 25% off, in two pack sizes: 250 g and 1 kg.

The discount code for that promotion was Gwatemalskakawa, entered in the discount-code box during checkout.