Guatemala Jumay Volcano

Guatemala Golden Flakes of Jumay

Golden Flakes of Jumay grows on the fertile slopes of the Jumay Volcano in Jalapa, in the eastern region of Nuevo Oriente. Nuevo Oriente is one of Guatemala’s newest coffee-growing regions. Its combination of fertile volcanic soil, high elevation, and humid climate makes it ideal for growing coffee.

The region’s smallholder farmers face stiff competition from the coffee industry, which operates many large plantations. Regional coffee farmers with small farms usually grow coffee alongside other crops. This means coffee plants are surrounded by other trees and larger plants, making it possible to grow coffee naturally without pesticides. Intercropping also provides animals and insects with a natural habitat.

Golden Flakes of Jumay is an exclusive coffee from the Guatemalan company Schönfeld. To produce this coffee, they work with small coffee farms in the areas of Jalapa, Mataquescuintla, and San Carlos Alzatate. Their selection of green coffees is based not only on the outstanding geographic location, but especially on the quality of the coffee cherries and, ultimately, the excellent cup profile.

Guatemala Jumay Volcano Profile

Country: Guatemala
Region: Jalapa, Nuevo Oriente
Growing altitude: 1,500–1,700 m
Harvest method: selective hand-picking
Harvest season: December–March
Processing: washed (fully washed) and sun-dried
Trade: direct trade
Varieties: Bourbon, Catuai

Tasting notes

Full body, lime, orange zest, dark chocolate, balanced lemon-like acidity

Cupping score: 84.75

The project behind Golden Flakes of Jumay

Every year, the coffee harvest brings major challenges for both producers and workers on regional coffee farms, especially because school vacations coincide with harvest season. During this time, many parents who work in coffee farming have to choose between earning an income and caring for their children. In most cases, children are taken to the farm because their parents cannot afford to lose income during the coffee harvest.

To address this, Peter Schönfeld and the nonprofit organization Funcafe worked closely together to launch the “Coffee Kids Camp.” The project aims to keep children away from all forms of work. A similar project had already proved successful in the Huehuetenango region and is now also attracting interest in the Cubulco and Santa Rosa regions. This year’s Golden Flakes of Jumay coffee cherry harvest will also help fund the camps.

The Coffee Kids Camps provide children with a hot meal and supervision while their parents work on the coffee farms. With the support of local teachers, the camps strengthen educational opportunities in nutrition, coffee-related topics, and sustainable agricultural practices. Each camp is structured as a 35-day program and requires $4,500 in funding. The portion of our green coffee that supports the project will fund two Coffee Kids Camps.