Conservation through Innovation
Our focus at Gold Grains Coffee is continual improvement of both our coffee quality and production process through innovative techniques and eco-friendly practices. For us, both innovation and conservation go hand in hand as the agricultural practices we use are oriented towards sustainability. Our main goal is to reduce our waste as much as possible and prioritize the environment.
Ecological Wet Mill
An ecological wet mill is part of our innovation as the techniques we use to recycle water through tanks and pumps greatly reduces our environmental impact.
Gold Grain Coffee currently owns the only wet mill located in Conguaco, Jutiapa, and we are proud to be listed among the wet mills with the lowest environmental impact in Guatemala. For us water is a vital element, and we are doing everything in our power to save our water resources. By recycling the water in the de-pulping process, we manage to reduce the total amount of water utilized, only using clean water for washing. The residual water produced from the fermentation and washing stages of coffee production is often referred to as “honey water”. Honey water can pollute local water sources if not treated properly. Therefore, we carefully treat this water with CAL and use it to irrigate the grasslands that provide great nutrition for cattle. A combination of manure and composted pulp then create our organic fertilizer, regenerating the existing soil and resulting in a better crop yield.
Reforestation & Wildlife Protection
El Aceituno is home to many native species that seek refuge under the shade of our coffee trees. Therefore, we are very intentional about upkeeping the forest in which we’re surrounded and protecting the wildlife. Reforestation is a large area of emphasis for our conservation efforts. In coffee pruning and plant renovation areas, we have diversified the shade with White Mahogany, Matilisguate, and Gravilea. In new areas, agroforestry system projects have been started with INAB (National Institute of Forests), thus complying with environmental commitments. Hunting and illegal logging is strictly prohibited and we consistently monitor the wellbeing of native species.
Product Innovation
In addition to our innovative practices surrounding conservation, I am equally excited by innovating our product lines through experimenting with various coffee plants.
The east region of Guatemala, coined New Oriente by Guatemalan Coffees, is recognized for producing balanced coffees with full body and chocolate notes. Floral and fruit notes are usually the profiles of African coffees, but with the introduction of different varieties to our farm, we can achieve more exotic profiles. I love experimenting with fermentations and processes to obtain a wider spectrum of flavors and aromas which those who love specialty coffee are looking for.
Currently, some different varieties we’re growing include Red Bourbon, red and yellow catuai, Anacafe14, and Obata. Additionally, in garden the following are being grown: Marsellesa, Obata, Pacamara, Maragogype, Parainema, Tupi, Pink Bourbon, Geisha, and Purpuracea.
Of course, innovation brings its risks and some exotic varieties are difficult to grow. That is why our farm has been planting a garden of varieties for a couple of years and studying the behavior of each plant, its adaptability to the microclimate, resistance to diseases, productivity and quality in cup.