Over many seasons, we have worked with Francisco Morales in Huehuetenango to showcase his deliciously refined coffee. In this part of Guatemala, cooler mountain temperatures are balanced by warm winds that blow over from Mexico. The long dry summers allow for even drying, producing a superbly balanced cup with irresistible sweetness.
THE CUP Los Naranjales is a coffee for any occasion. With rich notes of vanilla, chocolate, and malt, alongside a hint of zesty blood orange, this is a coffee that carries itself perfectly on its own or blended with milk. Careful washed processing creates a profile that is smooth and balanced, with defined texture.
THE FARM Francisco Morales got his passion for coffee growing from his grandfather, who planted 100 coffee trees when he was just 14 years old. Francisco himself started his own farm with 9000 seedlings he grew in a nursery in 1977.
The close proximity of the estate to the Mexican border gives the farm great climate conditions. Good sun, winds and rain. The heat is coming from Mexico and the high mountains of the Huehuetenango Plateau brings down temperatures at night. Dry long summers are stressing the trees so that they deliver good production.
THE PROCESS Francisco is using 50% shade drying to gently work with his coffees. It prevents them from cracking and so this coffee keeps all his delicious flavours. Fermentation in cherries is stretched to 40 hours which gives our Lot strong character.
