Coffee Altitude

One of the main influencing factors for the growth of high quality coffee in Guatemala is Altitude.  It's a well known fact that the higher the altitude at which coffee grows, the better the quality.
By. Josué Morales

The "Coffee Tropics"

Coffee growth throughout the world is concentrated in the Tropics and near to the Equator where frost danger is minimum. In the region comprehended in the "Coffee Tropics" there are many variations in climate, soil and altitude; this last one being one of the major influences on the way coffee develops.

When coffee grows above 4,500 ft above sea level its categorized as being a "Strictly Hard Bean"; and what happens at this altitude is that the rate of bean growth is slower, hence it makes the bean denser. Bean yield is lower in every tree also because of the cooler temperatures and because the growth of coffee is also slower, thus further dropping productivity. From a commercial point of view, to grow coffee at this altitude is less profitable, but it makes a huge impact on quality since the bean concentrates and acquires significant portions of what influences it may find in its surroundings.

Chart No. 1: Guatemalan Coffee Altitude

Chart No. 1 shows Coffee Classification according to Altitude. There are 3 major categories that separate major changes in coffee characteristics according to the altitude at which it grows.
Prime and Extra Prime Coffees are grown near the Pacific Coast in Guatemala, they are highly aromatic with earthly fragrance and bold, rich, tropical fruit flavors. Hard and Semi Hard Beans grow along the minor ranges in Guatemala, and are characteristic for their well balanced acidity and body. Strictly Hard Beans (SHB) from Guatemala are exotic and rare and can prove to develop an infinity of flavors and aromas that have yet to be discovered. These SHB's are the most abundant in Guatemala making this country's production high in quality, scarce in availability and high in price. The higher a coffee grows according to this classification, the more intense, clean, and flavorful it becomes.

Guatemalan Coffee SHB covered in Perchment or "Pergamino". 

Please join me on my next blog to learn more about SHB's and the Guatemala Coffee Growing Regions!