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Guatemala Blue Ayarza Natural

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P610630-1

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About This Coffee

About This Coffee

The region of Ayarza is a special one, landmarked by the drastic landscape and cold blue water from the Laguna de Ayarza and Laguna Azul. The lake was formed by two massive volcanos that collapsed and formed a large crater. The legends surrounding this lake are numerous, like the one that says the bottom has never been found, or the large white rock that resembles a petrified woman who didn’t follow the orders of Jesus.

Covoya Guatemala always knew the region had massive potential to produce specialty coffee, which led us to start renting a wet mill on an RFA certified farm. The quality coming from our washed coffee was much better than we expected, so we naturally started producing honey and maceration processes as well.

For this Blue Ayarza Natural coffee, farmers deliver the best cherries from the region to our mill, often in their very own pickup trucks. These cherries are then sent to Amatitilan to dry on the patio for 10 days, and are finished off in a mechanical drier for 5-10 more hours.

Country of OriginGuatemala
RegionSanta Rosa
Producer TypeSmall Holder Farmers
ProcessingNatural/Dry Processed
Growing Altitude1400m – 2000m

 

Harvest Season2022/23
Bag Weight69 KG BAG
Bag TypeGrain Pro / Ecotact
Plant SpeciesArabica
VarietyBourbon, Catuai, Pache

History of Coffee in Uganda

 

Coffee has deep roots in Uganda, with robusta beans growing wild around Lake Victoria long before colonial times. While Ugandans traditionally used these beans for cultural rituals, commercial coffee farming only took off during British colonial rule in the early 20th century. The British saw potential in Uganda’s fertile soils and introduced Arabica coffee in the highlands, while promoting robusta across the country. After independence in 1962, coffee became Uganda’s leading export, despite disruptions during periods of political instability. A revival in the 1990s, driven by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority, transformed Uganda into one of Africa’s top coffee producers, renowned for its high-quality robusta and specialty Arabica beans.

Growing Coffee in Uganda

In Uganda, the most ideal conditions for Arabica coffee cultivation are found in the high-altitude regions of Mount Elgon in the east and the Rwenzori Mountains in the west. These areas, with elevations ranging from 1,300 to over 2,300 meters above sea level, provide the cool temperatures and rich volcanic soils that Arabica coffee thrives on. Uganda produces both washed and naturally processed coffees, and in recent years, experimental methods like honey processing have also gained traction. The country grows a variety of Arabica coffee strains, including SL14, SL28, and Blue Mountain, with specialty coffee grades ranging from AA, AB to Peaberry, known for their distinct flavors and high quality.

Sample Roasting: A Step-by-Step Guide

Consistency is essential in sample roasting, but the timing of the first crack can vary from batch to batch. To ensure optimal results, use this guide to determine the ideal moment to end your roast based on how long it took to reach the first crack.

download the Guide