Maracaturra Honey

A new processing method for Juan Diego de la Cerda's prized Maracaturrra yields a creamy, complex cup. Aromas of marzipan and white tea introduce notes of chocolate-covered caramel and almond in the cup, with pineapple acidity and a touch of lemon balm in the finish.

 

Details

Producer: Juan Diego de la Cerda Farm: Finca El Socorro Region: Guatemala Department, Guatemala Altitude: 5,750 feet | 1,753 masl Varietal: Maracaturra Process: Honey Roast: Light Notes: Almond, Lemon Balm, Caramel

The Story

Maracaturra is a hybrid of the giant Maragogype bean and the more traditional and sweet Caturra. It's a productive plant but highly susceptible to leaf rust, so it must be carefully monitored.

If you're a fan of El Socorro's washed Maracaturra, this is a must-try! Juan Diego de la Cerda recently built raised drying beds (pictured above) to allow for more experimentation with honey and natural processed coffees at the farm.

In the honey process the skin of the coffee cherry is removed after harvest but much of the sticky, sweet mucilage is allowed to dry on the inner seed's protective parchment layer instead of being washed off. Honey processing tends to emphasize fruit flavors and lend the coffee a silky or creamy body while muting acidity somewhat.

Direct Trade

 

Finca El Socorro, owned by Juan Diego de la Cerda and his family, has proven itself to be one of the best coffee farms in Guatemala year after year. In 2007, Juan Diego won 1st place in the Guatemala Cup of Excellence for the first time, and then took 4th place in 2008. He won in 2011 with the Maracaturra lot, and again in 2020 with his washed Gesha!

Such consistent results made us jump at the chance to become Direct Trade partners with Juan Diego, and we're proud to continue offering El Socorro's excellent coffees year after year.

Produced by Juan Diego de la Cerda in the Guatemala Department, this Maracaturra Honey lot represents a unique intersection of botanical heritage and meticulous post-harvest handling. The Maracaturra varietal, a natural hybrid of Maragogype and Caturra, is often noted for its large bean size and complex cup profile. By utilizing the honey process, producers leave a portion of the fruit mucilage on the bean during drying, which can influence the final sweetness and body of the coffee.

Sourced by /shop/roasters/pt-s-coffee-roasting, this selection from Guatemala highlights the distinct characteristics of the region. When evaluating the specific notes of almond, lemon balm, and caramel, tasters may find it helpful to reference the flavor wheel to better articulate the nuances found in this harvest. Grown at 1753 masl, this coffee offers a clear expression of its specific terroir and the careful processing techniques employed by the producer.