Guatemala · Variety
Typica Coffee from Guatemala
Typica is one of the defining varieties of Guatemalan coffee. Guatemala grows coffee at 1,300–2,000 m across regions such as Antigua, Huehuetenango, Atitlán, and Typica — a Arabica of Foundational lineage carried from Yemen via Java and Amsterdam to the Americas in the 1700s — occupies an important place in that landscape. Its preferred range of 1,200–2,000+ m aligns with what Guatemalan farms can offer, which is a large part of why the pairing works.
Agronomically, Typica brings a demanding but rewarding profile — very susceptible to leaf rust, cbd, and nematodes — with low yields on a tall, conical, low branch density plant. In Guatemala, where the harvest runs december – march and annual production is ≈3.4 million 60-kg bags, those traits shape which farms plant it and how its lots reach the export market through Puerto Quetzal (Pacific).
In the cup, Guatemalan Typica expresses both sides of its parentage: the variety contributes clean, sweet, silky body with delicate citrus and floral notes at altitude, while Guatemala's terroir adds the character the origin is known for — chocolate, spice, apple and stone-fruit acidity, full body. Buyers comparing Typica across origins will find the Guatemalan expression distinct for exactly that reason.
Key facts
| Variety | Typica |
|---|---|
| Species | Arabica |
| Lineage | Foundational lineage carried from Yemen via Java and Amsterdam to the Americas in the 1700s |
| Optimal altitude | 1,200–2,000+ m |
| Guatemala growing altitude | 1,300–2,000 m |
| Harvest season | December – March |
| Disease resistance | Very susceptible to leaf rust, CBD, and nematodes |
| Bean size | Large, elongated |
| Typical Guatemalan cup | Chocolate, spice, apple and stone-fruit acidity, full body. Antigua: cocoa-smoke elegance; Huehuetenango: bright wine-citrus intensity; Cobán: soft spice and cream. |
Related Guatemala regions
Typica Coffee from Guatemala — frequently asked questions
Where in Guatemala is Typica grown?
Primarily across Antigua, Huehuetenango, Atitlán, at elevations of 1,300–2,000 m. The variety's preferred range of 1,200–2,000+ m means the higher zones tend to produce the most expressive lots.
What does Guatemalan Typica taste like?
Expect the variety's core character — clean, sweet, silky body with delicate citrus and floral notes at altitude — shaped by Guatemala's terroir toward chocolate, spice, apple and stone-fruit acidity, full body.
When is Typica from Guatemala available fresh?
The Guatemalan harvest runs december – march; fresh-crop lots typically reach consuming markets one to three months after milling, shipped via Puerto Quetzal (Pacific).
Volcana Coffee exports high-grown Catimor, Typica, and washed Fine Robusta from the Bolaven Plateau, Laos — washed, natural, and honey processed, SGS-inspected, with full export documentation. Cup our origin against any in the world.
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