Coffees From Around the World: Central America

Mexican Coffee

Mexico ranks as the seventh-largest coffee producer globally, predominantly cultivating Arabica beans in its southern regions. Smallholders primarily grow these beans, which are then sold to the National Cooperative.

Key Regions and Varieties

• Vera Cruz State: Known for its lowland coffees, Vera Cruz also produces the highly esteemed Altura Coatepec beans from its mountainous areas.
• Chiapas and Tapachula: Located near the Guatemalan border, these regions produce coffee with a delicate, light flavor akin to the renowned Oaxaca variety.
• Primo Lavado: This grade includes some of Mexico's finest washed coffees.
• Maragogype Beans: Mexico is the world's leading source of these extra-large beans, considered by some experts to produce the best coffee.

Guatemalan Coffee

Guatemala is the second-largest coffee producer in Central America and ranks eighth globally. The country is also a significant source of Maragogype beans.

Flavor Profile and Regions

• Distinctive Flavors: Guatemalan coffees are known for their spicy and smoky flavors, especially when dark roasted. They are highly acidic, medium to full-bodied, and rich in flavor.
• High-Grown Beans: Coffees like Antigua from the central highlands are known for their rich, spicy, or floral acidity and excellent body. Beans from areas exposed to Pacific or Caribbean weather tend to be less acidic but more fruity.

Honduran Coffee

Honduras is the ninth-largest coffee producer in the world, primarily growing Arabica beans. However, much of its coffee is used for blending.

Notable Regions

• Santa Barbara, Copan, Ocotepeque, Lempira, La Paz, and El Paraiso: These regions produce some excellent varieties, although they are often blended before export.

Costa Rican Coffee

Costa Rica exclusively produces high-quality Arabica coffee, known for its full body and robust acidity. This makes it one of the most revered coffees in Central America.

Prominent Regions

• San Jose Countryside: Coffee is grown on rich, well-drained volcanic soil above 3,000 feet.
• Famous Coffees: San Marcos de Tarrazu, Tres Rios, Heredia, and Alajuela are some of the most renowned. La Minita estate in the Tarrazu district is reputed for its meticulously prepared coffee.

Nicaraguan Coffee

Situated between Honduras and Costa Rica, Nicaragua's coffee shares characteristics with both neighbors. However, it is generally medium-bodied and straightforwardly acidic.

Flavor Profile

• Classic Central-American Style: Nicaraguan coffees are often undistinguished but offer reasonable flavor and acidity.

El Salvadorian Coffee

Despite being the smallest country in Central America, El Salvador ranks 15th in global coffee production. Political issues have historically affected its coffee industry.

Unique Characteristics

• Softer, Less Acidic: El Salvador's Arabica coffees are often used in blends and tend to be softer and less acidic.
• High-Grown Varieties: The best coffees come from Bourbon and Pacamara trees, offering fragrant and complex flavors. The highest grade is Strictly High-Grown.

Interesting Stats

• Global Coffee Production: Central America contributes significantly to the global coffee market, with countries like Mexico and Guatemala ranking among the top 10 producers worldwide (source).
• Economic Impact: Coffee farming is a crucial economic activity in Central America, providing livelihoods for millions of people (source).

For more insights into coffee-growing regions around the world, stay tuned for our upcoming articles.

This article has been fact-checked and expanded to provide a comprehensive overview of Central American coffees. For further reading, you can explore more about global coffee production on World Atlas and the International Coffee Organization.