Guatemala—Cimarron ($5.89/lb)

Asproguate is an NGO comprised of more than 1,900 small green coffee producers from the regions of Acatenango, San Martin Jilotepeque, Coban and Atitlan. The purpose of the organization is to advance best farming practices to constantly improve coffee bean quality, and also foster better trade access so farmers are paid appropriately for their harvests.

Most of the farms in the Asproguate are owned and operated by women, as many husbands from this area leave to pursue work in the United States and send money back to their families.

One farmer, Ciriaca Julaj Esquit, has operated Finca La Falda for the past 20 years. The farm is situated high in the mountains of Aldea Patzaj, San Martin Jilotepeche, at an altitude of 1,900 meters. She grows Caturra, Catuaí and Bourbon green coffee varieties. She has 9 children, 6 of whom live and work in the US.

Another farmer, María Roberta Julaj, belongs to La Providencia Aldea Patzaj San Martín Jilotepeque Cooperative group. She is a single mother and has worked in coffee for more than 25 years. After attaining organic certification, she has worked with Asproguate for the past 3 years. Her farm of hearty bourbon trees grows at very high altitude between 1,900 and 2,050 meters. María is very dedicated to her craft.

This Guatemala is a perfect example of the kind of green coffee that stirs us. In many ways, it has all the features: Fair Trade Organic; an in-country partner helping small farmers produce better quality and provide better trade access so they get paid fairly; farms owned and operated by women; and, of course, top-shelf Guatemala coffee with deep, rich sweetness that always delivers.

We are proud to carry this top-shelf Guatemala coffee while supporting these farming families.