For over a year our writers have been working on our reference section to prepare for the launch of Latin Art Mall. We have hundreds of articles on the History, Arts and Crafts, Cuisine, Flora and Fauna of Mexico, Central and South America. In addition to articles about the products we sell, there are hundreds of interesting articles about the life and culture of various countries and just about everything you could imagine. From the Inca, Mayan, and Aztec civilizations to the Best resorts in Mexico; you will find it all.

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The cultivation of coffee is a leading industry in Costa Rica, and has long been a source of prosperity. It was begun a hundred years ago; a few plants having been brought from New Granada, and the first trial being successful, it has rapidly extended. All the coffee is grown in the plain of San Jose, where the three principal towns are situated—about two-thirds being produced in the environs of the capital, a fourth in those of Hindia, and the remainder at Alhajuela, and its vicinity. The land which has been found by experience to be best suited to coffee is a black loam, and the next best, a dark-red earth–soils of a brown and dull yellow color being quite unsuitable. The plain of San Jose is mostly of the first class, being, like all the soils of Central America, formed with a large admixture of volcanic materials. Contrary to the experience of Java and Arabia, coffee is here found to thrive much better, and produce a more healthy and equal berry on plain land, than upon hills, or undulating slopes, which doubtless arises from the former retaining its moisture better, and generally containing a larger deposit of loam. Click here to read more.

Today, coffee is grown in more than 50 countries around the globe. In this article, we want to provide information specific to coffee grown in Mexico and Guatemala. Most Mexican coffee comes from the southern region of the country. There, the area narrows, turning to the east. In Vera Cruz State on the gulf side of the mountain range is where lowland coffee is produced. However, highland coffee, known as Altura Coatepec comes from the mountain region with the same name.

Now, Mexico coffees that come from the southern slopes of the central mountain range are found in Oaxaca State. These coffees are among the finest anywhere. Then, you have Chiapas State coffees grown in the mountains region of the southeastern most corner of the country close to Guatemala. This coffee is usually marketed under the name of Tapachula, again from the city of Tapachula. Although you can buy Mexican coffee from a number of places, it is common to find it sold in specialty stores from Chiapas or Oaxaca.

The thing about coffee from Mexico is that it lacks body and richness. Even so, Mexican coffee has a light, delicate taste that is pleasantly dry. Therefore, if you prefer black coffee that is slightly acidic and light, Mexican coffee would be the ideal choice. Mexican coffee was first planted in the country in the early 18th century. With a nutty tone and overtone of chocolate, it is truly a favorite for many people.

Now, you have Guatemalan coffee that is known for producing some of the finest coffee with a wonderful, distinct flavor. The primary region is Antigua, countryside just west of Coban, the old capital city. While Antigua coffee is the most famous, you will find a number of specialty roasters that are almost as good. For Guatemala coffee, there are grades. For instance, the highest grade is the hard bean, which means the coffee was grown at 4,500 feet above sea level or more. Some of the best-known coffee estates in Guatemala include San Miguel, Los Volcanos, and San Sebastian.

What you will notice with Guatemalan coffee is the spicy yet smoke flavor that makes this coffee so unique. Guatemalan coffee is typically very acidic, ranging in body from medium to full. Therefore, if you enjoy a good, bold cup of java that has a smoky, distinct flavor, you will love Guatemalan coffee. The best names are marketed again as Antigua, along with Coban and Huehuetenango. The best Guatemalan coffees are produced using what is known as the wet process.

First introduced in mid-18th century by Jesuit missionaires, the industry continued to grow and evolve well after 1869 at which time German immigrants settled there. At that time, approximately 25% of the total population of Guatemala was making a living in the coffee industry. In fact, 70% of the country’s exports were coffee. Although today, exports are just 35%, Guatemalan coffee is still incredible good.