Discover a cup that transports you to South American Guatemala. This washed coffee from the Tao Coffee roastery is the perfect choice for a fresh but still juicy espresso. The cup opens with a fresh kiwi acidity, followed by the juiciness of tangerine lemonade, all finished with subtle vanilla notes. Precise processing and careful roasting make this coffee an ideal choice for espresso lovers looking for harmony between fruity freshness and a sweet finish.
The Monte Verde farm has been owned by the Meléndez family for more than 80 years and is located in the coffee-growing region of Acatenango in Guatemala, with spectacular views of the El Fuego volcano. The farm is currently owned by sisters Roxana and Mariela Meléndez, who represent the fourth generation of coffee growers in the family. The farm covers 14 hectares dedicated to coffee cultivation and grows varieties such as Caturra, Bourbon, Anacafe 14, Geisha, Paraíso, Yellow Bourbon and Catuai. In addition, the farm includes six hectares of natural forest and three hectares that the sisters have allocated to their employees to grow corn and coffee for their own use. Roxana's vision is to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of the farm. To achieve this, she has introduced resistant and high-yielding varieties, such as Anacafe 14, while preserving traditional varieties such as Caturra and Bourbon. She is committed to maintaining their health and some of the Bourbon and Caturra trees on the farm, which are between 60 and 70 years old, are still in remarkable condition.
In the washed method, the cherries first go through a peeling process that removes the skin and flesh. The remaining green kernels with the remaining flesh are then fermented for several hours to make it easier to separate the remaining flesh. After fermentation, the grains are washed with water to remove any residual sugar. The coffee is then dried in the sun on concrete surfaces or raised beds. In some cases, mechanical dryers are used if outdoor conditions are not suitable. The resulting coffee processed by this method has a cleaner taste, higher acidity and strong fruity notes.
- Altitude: 1450-1700 m above sea level.